Xabi Alonso has reportedly turned down the opportunity to become the new manager of Marseille, with sources indicating that the Spaniard rejected the approach due to concerns that the French club is 'too chaotic'. The 44-year-old is currently seeking his next managerial position after being dismissed by Real Madrid in early January, following a brief and dramatic seven-month tenure at the Bernabeu.
Marseille's Managerial Search Hits a Snag
Marseille have been actively searching for a new manager since Roberto De Zerbi's explosive departure earlier this month. The club made an approach for Alonso, but according to French outlet RMC Sport, they were 'immediately' rejected. It is claimed that the club's 'unstable situation' was a decisive factor for Alonso, who previously enjoyed a successful three-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Real Madrid last summer.
Turmoil at Marseille
Marseille have experienced a tumultuous period since parting ways with De Zerbi, who left by mutual consent after a 5–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on February 8. The chaos escalated when sporting director Medhi Benatia, a former teammate of Alonso at Bayern Munich between 2014 and 2017, announced his resignation in a bombshell statement days after De Zerbi's exit. Benatia cited a 'breakdown in communication' at board level and stated he could no longer 'ignore the current climate'.
In a dramatic turn of events, Benatia reversed his decision a day later after Marseille owner Frank McCourt rejected the resignation. McCourt flew in from the United States to demote club president Pablo Longoria and grant Benatia more control. However, this ongoing instability has reportedly deterred Alonso, who is ideally seeking a long-term managerial role after his short stint at Real Madrid.
Alonso's Future Prospects
Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, is now weighing his options for a return to management. He has been heavily linked with a potential move back to Anfield, especially as Liverpool boss Arne Slot has faced challenges this season. Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first campaign last term, has struggled for consistency, with the team currently languishing in sixth place, outside the Champions League qualification spots.
While there is no immediate threat to Slot's position at Anfield, Alonso is believed to be high on Liverpool's list of potential successors should the Dutchman depart in the future. This speculation adds an intriguing layer to Alonso's career trajectory as he navigates the managerial market amidst Marseille's chaotic backdrop.
