Xabi Alonso’s Unfinished Business at Liverpool: The Sole Regret
Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool FC player, is widely regarded as the frontrunner to replace Jurgen Klopp as the manager of the club when Klopp departs at the end of the season. Alonso has expressed his “dream” of managing the Reds on numerous occasions, making him a popular choice among fans.
Alonso had a successful stint at Liverpool, making 210 appearances for the club between 2004 and 2009. During his time at Anfield, he won the Champions League and FA Cup, cementing his place in Liverpool’s history. However, there is one regret that still plagues Alonso’s mind – the failure to win the Premier League title in the 2008/09 season.
That season, Liverpool had a remarkable campaign, losing just twice and setting a club-record points total of 86. Despite their impressive performance, they finished four points behind Manchester United, leaving Alonso with a bitter taste in his mouth. In an interview with Simon Hughes in 2016, Alonso revealed that not winning the Premier League is his “only regret” in his career.
Alonso spoke candidly about the disappointment of not winning the league under Rafa Benitez. He emphasized that the team believed they could win everything but were let down by a few silly draws at home. The Spaniard expressed his frustration, stating, “It frustrates me so, so much.” Despite their setbacks, Alonso acknowledged that their confidence was unwavering. They won big games against top teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea, proving their capability to compete at the highest level.
The dream of managing Liverpool has always been on Alonso’s mind. In a 2018 interview with Guillem Balague, he openly admitted to dreaming of managing the club in the future. He acknowledged that he needs to prove himself and prepare before taking on such a role, but his commitment, passion, and link to Liverpool are undeniable. Alonso stated, “We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
In another interview with Glenn Price in 2017, Alonso reflected on how Liverpool’s grip on him has lasted even after leaving the club. He described how the club’s legend and history appeal to anyone who loves football and how it had a profound impact on him. Anfield, Liverpool’s iconic stadium, particularly gripped Alonso, as did the Premier League due to the team’s success during his tenure.
These quotes provide a glimpse into Alonso’s mindset and his deep affection for Liverpool, the city, and its supporters. He still feels a sense of unfinished business, yearning to deliver a Premier League title at Anfield. With his experience as a player and his passion for the club, Alonso could be the perfect candidate to lead Liverpool into a new era when Klopp departs.
Although Alonso’s appointment as Liverpool’s manager is not yet confirmed, it is evident that he possesses the qualities and desire to succeed in the role. The prospect of Alonso returning to Anfield as the manager is an exciting one for Liverpool fans, who hope that he can finally fulfill his dream and bring the Premier League trophy to the club. Only time will tell if Alonso’s unfinished business at Liverpool will be resolved in the near future.