Xabi Alonso Tipped to Follow Mikel Arteta's Lead in Liverpool and Man City Choice
With Mikel Arteta successfully guiding Arsenal's Premier League title challenge, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been tipped to follow a similar path, potentially choosing between managerial roles at Liverpool and Manchester City based on emotional connections.
Petit's Conviction on Alonso's Preference
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is convinced that Xabi Alonso would opt for Liverpool ahead of Manchester City if presented with opportunities by both Premier League giants. Alonso, currently 44 years old and without a club after being dismissed by Real Madrid on January 13, finds himself at a career crossroads with potential openings at two of England's biggest clubs.
The Spanish playmaker was strongly linked to Liverpool earlier this year when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield, but Alonso ultimately chose a sentimental return to Real Madrid instead. Now, with current Liverpool manager Arne Slot facing scrutiny during a challenging campaign, speculation has reignited about Alonso potentially returning to Merseyside.
Parallels with Arteta's Career Decision
Petit draws direct parallels between Alonso's situation and Mikel Arteta's career move, when the Spaniard left his position as Manchester City's assistant manager to take charge at Arsenal, his former club. Speaking to Ignition Casino, Petit explained his reasoning: "If Xabi Alonso has the chance to come back to Liverpool, even if the door is open at Man City, I'm pretty sure he would join Liverpool. He has a connection to Liverpool."
The French World Cup winner elaborated: "He's been a player over there and he won trophies over there. He failed at Real Madrid but that has been the case for many managers over there. I think if he has the chance to join the Premier League, Liverpool would be the perfect club for him. It's like Mikel Arteta's connection to Arsenal, it would mean he wouldn't consider joining Manchester City even when Pep Guardiola leaves."
Current Premier League Landscape
The timing of this speculation comes during contrasting fortunes for the clubs involved. Arsenal, under Arteta's leadership, currently sit top of the Premier League by four points, have reached the League Cup final, progressed in the FA Cup, and remain among the Champions League favorites after finishing top of their group.
In stark contrast, Liverpool's season has been disappointing despite record-breaking transfer spending last summer. Slot's team currently sits sixth in the Premier League, 15 points behind Arsenal and three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. While Liverpool performed strongly in the Champions League, securing third spot in the league phase, failure to win the tournament or improve their domestic position could see them miss out on Champions League qualification next season.
Managerial Pressure and Speculation
Jamie Carragher recently suggested that failing to qualify for the Champions League could put Arne Slot's position in jeopardy. The former Liverpool defender stated on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football: "Once you start fearing Champions League qualification for next season, that's when I feel we've got a different proposition when we're talking about the manager's job. Not making the Champions League from champions, spending £450million and having the highest wage bill, which is the biggest determining factor normally about where you finish, I think you've got serious questions."
Meanwhile, Manchester City's long-term plans remain uncertain, with Pep Guardiola's future also unclear, creating another potential vacancy that could interest Alonso. However, Petit's analysis suggests the emotional pull of Liverpool would outweigh any opportunity at the Etihad Stadium.
Prior to Arteta's successful return to Arsenal, he was experiencing considerable success as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City. Yet when Arsenal struggled, he left City's trophy-laden operation to revitalize his former club, a decision that has proven remarkably successful and now serves as a potential blueprint for Alonso's career choices.
