Liverpool’s Decision to Hire Iraola Over Alonso Raises Questions

Recent reports have shed light on the factors that led Liverpool officials to overlook the opportunity to hire Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, despite having the chance to bring him on board in recent weeks.

Following a disappointing season under Dutch coach Arne Slot, Liverpool decided to part ways with him and has since chosen Spanish coach Andoni Iraola to lead the team starting next season.

Meanwhile, Alonso secured his managerial future early by reaching an agreement with Chelsea for a four-year contract.

Despite Alonso becoming available after his stint with Real Madrid, Liverpool’s management did not initiate any formal discussions with him, raising numerous questions among fans and analysts.

According to British journalist Mark Ogden of ESPN, one significant factor behind this decision is Alonso’s exceptional status within the club and among its supporters. The management feared that appointing him could lead to his gaining considerable influence within the organization.

Ogden noted that his sources indicated that Alonso’s name had not been strongly considered among Liverpool’s top choices. He explained that many clubs often avoid hiring their legendary players as coaches due to the substantial influence they might wield, which could complicate administrative balance and grant the coach authority beyond conventional limits.

Additionally, there is another reason contributing to Alonso’s exclusion: the tactical approach and playing style sought by the club moving forward. Liverpool’s management envisions a different team dynamic focused on a more vigorous and physically demanding style of play, which they found more aligned with Iraola’s philosophy. He has demonstrated a model at Bournemouth characterized by relentless pressing and high tempo throughout matches.

Ogden concluded by emphasizing that Alonso does not belong to the footballing philosophy closely associated with Jürgen Klopp, while Liverpool officials believe that Iraola’s style aligns more closely with the identity they aim to establish within the team in the coming years.