Xabi Alonso knows exactly which clubs he’s ‘ready to wait for’

Amid Liverpool's quest for their next manager, Xabi Alonso has swiftly risen to prominence as the leading contender for the role.

While other candidates, such as Sporting boss Ruben Amorim and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, have garnered attention for their credentials, Alonso appears to be the standout choice among supporters.

This sentiment is underscored by Alonso's impressive track record, particularly his current success at Bayer Leverkusen. Just recently, Leverkusen secured victory in the German Cup semi-final, extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 30 games across all competitions.

Alonso's candidacy is further bolstered by his strong connection to Liverpool. Reports suggest that the 42-year-old possesses an informal agreement that grants him the flexibility to depart for Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid - his former clubs.

Speaking to So Foot, Marseille president Pablo Longoria shed light on Alonso's strategic approach to his coaching career. Longoria revealed that Alonso declined an offer to manage Marseille, expressing a clear preference for specific clubs he aspired to lead.

Longoria recounted, “It was after Jorge (Sampaoli). So I went to see him [Alonso]. He said no with an elegance… The same one he had when he was playing football, a 40-yard crossbar at his feet.

"He was telling me no, I should have been [disappointed], but I almost wanted to thank him. You see that his brain is going at a different speed.

“He knew exactly the three or four clubs he wanted to coach and was ready to wait for them.”

Given Alonso's limited list of former clubs - Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid - it's evident which clubs may be on his radar for a managerial role.

He's already coached Sociedad B so perhaps he's already ticked that off his list.

As Liverpool continues its search for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, the allure of Xabi Alonso's coaching prowess and deep-rooted connection to the club may make him the ideal candidate to lead the Reds into the next chapter of their storied history.