Rio Ferdinand has confessed that he was taken aback by Xabi Alonso’s decision to accept the Chelsea managerial position – arguing the Liverpool role could’ve been within his grasp if he’d “just sat tight” given the uncertainty surrounding Arne Slot.
The Spaniard will make his Premier League comeback, though this time in a managerial capacity, when he assumes his position at Stamford Bridge. The former Real Madrid manager will ink a four-year contract to guide the Blues after recently dismissing Liam Rosenior.
Alonso arrives with championship credentials after his achievements at Bayer Leverkusen, though his connection to Anfield meant he’d consistently been mentioned as a potential Liverpool manager. Elements of the supporter base would welcome him now, considering the disappointing season they’ve experienced under Slot, as per
“Or he’s just thought, ‘Do you know what? I can’t just sit here, hope and wait, and be guessing about what’s going to happen at Liverpool if an opportunity like this is here’… it’s a big club, Chelsea.”
Chelsea have continued to plough through managers under their current ownership, yet have never appointed a coach of Alonso’s standing. Meanwhile, Liverpool could still fall short of Champions League qualification, though Slot has publicly stated his belief that he will remain at the helm next season.