Xabi Alonso Slams Door on European Giant's Managerial Offer, Calls Timing 'Not Conducive'
Xabi Alonso has turned down the chance to make his managerial comeback following his dismissal from Real Madrid, according to French media reports, declining an offer from Ligue 1 club Marseille.
The Spanish tactician was abruptly dismissed by Real Madrid in January after merely seven months at the helm—their Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona serving as the breaking point following a series of underwhelming displays.
French outlet RMC Sport reports that Marseille, who recently separated from former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, presented Alonso with an opportunity to resume his coaching career as they hunt for their new manager.
Nevertheless, the Spanish coach declined OM's proposal, choosing not to hurry his return to management and instead maintaining flexibility as the 2025–26 season approaches its end.
Turmoil Dominates at Marseille
Turmoil Dominates at Marseille
The disorder and uncertainty currently surrounding Marseille has been mentioned as a key factor in Alonso's refusal.
Marseille dismissed De Zerbi following their historic 5–0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique, the humiliating result adding to the club's premature Champions League elimination during the tournament's league stage.
The following departure of sporting director Mehdi Benatia, who played alongside Alonso at Bayern Munich, intensified the mounting pressure at the Stade Vélodrome, though the Moroccan has since withdrawn his resignation following discussions with owner Frank McCourt.
Marseille have now named former player Habib Beye as their new head coach, the 48-year-old having been dismissed by Rennes earlier this month despite only taking charge in January 2025.
Beye now spearheads Marseille's pursuit of third place and Champions League qualification. He faces a challenging task to close the gap on resurgent Lyon, however, with OM currently fourth and trailing their competitors by five points.
Prospects Await for Alonso
Prospects Await for Alonso
It seems progressively probable that Alonso will delay his return to management until the current campaign concludes, with attractive positions expected to emerge in the upcoming months.
The former Bayer Leverkusen coach's reputation remains intact and he's been connected with multiple prestigious Premier League institutions. Mentioned as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Arne Slot at his former team Liverpool, any coaching transitions at these English powerhouses could create opportunities for Alonso's hiring.
Guardiola has been rumored to depart City following the season after ten years with the club, while Slot's future at Anfield remains uncertain should Liverpool miss Champions League qualification.
Bayern Munich represents another possible landing spot for Alonso should Vincent Kompany leave. The former Die Roten legend was connected with the Allianz Arena position in 2024, before Kompany's appointment, but that role seems less likely to open given the improvements under the Belgian's leadership.