Xabi Alonso keeping his head down while Premier League suitors circle
The former Real Madrid coach is enjoying family time in San Sebastián after his Bernabéu exit, but Liverpool whispers persist as he plots his next move.
A dignified exit from the Bernabéu has Xabi Alonso now focused on family time, though Premier League clubs are already eyeing up the managerial wonderkid.
The quiet life
Xabi Alonso has always been a proper class act, hasn’t he? After his departure from Real Madrid last week, the Spaniard has been keeping a low profile - exactly as you’d expect from a bloke who’s always valued his privacy.
Instead of hitting the town or doing the media rounds, Xabi’s been spotted enjoying some quality time with family in San Sebastián, lounging on La Concha beach. Those close to the former midfielder say he’s deliberately “staying with family and away from the spotlight” - a refreshing approach in today’s attention-hungry football world.
His missus, Nagore Aranburu, has shared the odd snap on social media, but that’s about your lot. She’s been his rock through thick and thin, raising their three nippers - Jon, Ane and Emma - who occasionally pop up in public, like during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga celebrations.
No sour grapes
What’s striking about Xabi’s Madrid exit is the total absence of drama. No finger-pointing, no dirty laundry aired in public - just a dignified departure despite most fans feeling he wasn’t to blame for the team’s struggles.
As his assistant Sebas Parrilla put it in his own farewell: “The best I knew and the best I could… it wasn’t enough.” That sentiment seems to sum up how Xabi’s entire coaching team feels about their Madrid chapter.
Premier League calling
So what’s next for the managerial whizzkid? After a few months’ kip, all roads seem to lead to Blighty.
The Premier League is the obvious destination, with Liverpool the elephant in the room. Yes, they’ve got Arne Slot at the wheel, but his position isn’t exactly set in stone. With the title already looking a distant dream, speculation about Xabi taking the Anfield hot seat won’t go away.
Truth is, Xabi’s agent Iñaki Ibáñez (who also represents Valverde and Iraola) will likely be fielding calls from across the Premier League landscape. Manchester United could be another option with Carrick only keeping the seat warm, though crossing that Liverpool-United divide would be a proper turn up for the books.
One thing’s certain - Liverpool will be Xabi’s home sooner or later. Everyone and their dog knows it’s written in the stars.
For now though, don’t expect any interviews or public statements. And when he does eventually rock up at his next club, you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll have nothing but respect for Real Madrid. The geezer’s too much of a gentleman to do otherwise.