- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,115
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is set to take charge at Chelsea -Credit:Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images
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 The Mirror.
- Wrexham post-season report: 10 key takeaways after Premier League dream cruelly evaporates
- FIFA urged to take action regarding 'heat risks' ahead of World Cup
You must be registered for see images attach
Arne Slot has endured a rough second season with Liverpool -Credit:James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
The Dutchman has been hit with significant scrutiny all year, with their most recent setback coming in the 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last week. The Reds have suffered 12 losses in the league, and Ferdinand reckons Alonso would've been firmly in the running to succeed Slot if the Liverpool hierarchy decided upon a transition.
He said on his YouTube channel: "I'm actually surprised he's gone there. I'm not saying he's the wrong choice. The reason I'm surprised he's gone there is because I thought he would have been patient enough to wait and see how the Arne Slot situation at Liverpool would play out.
"Ex-Liverpool player, loved the club, always speaks well about the club, and you just think that was a relationship waiting to happen behind the scenes. If he'd just sat tight, the way things are going at the moment, the way things are unfolding at Liverpool, surely he's next in the queue to get that job.", reports
"But Chelsea have acted quickly, they've probably put something in front of him with some big numbers as well that has turned his head and he's just thought, 'I'm going to go for it!'
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
"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.
Continue reading...
