Real Madrid manager was considered by PSG in their 2023 shortlist – ‘There were talks’ | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid this past summer was one of the most anticipated coaching stories of the year, but according to new information, his career path could have taken a very different direction long before his move to the Bernabeu. 

Fabrice Hawkins has revealed, via Mundo Deportivo, that in 2023, while he was building an extraordinary reputation at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso was among the names PSG considered for their managerial overhaul.

Providing context on PSG’s search, he explained that the club’s decision-makers evaluated a wide range of profiles. 

Hawkins said that in 2023, “Luis Campos drew up quite a long list… Arteta was one of the favourites. Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, and Hansi Flick were also on it.”

What’s the story?

Hawkins went further, making it clear that PSG did not simply take note of these names, they actually opened discussions with several candidates. 

“There were talks with Nagelsmann, Arteta, and Xabi Alonso. Alonso wanted to continue at Leverkusen and had that dream at Real Madrid, while Arteta wanted to stay at Arsenal.”

Xabi Alonso was wanted by PSG in 2023. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Ultimately, PSG decided on a different path. “What attracted Luis Enrique was his personality. 

“He is someone who speaks his mind, who isn’t afraid to make tough decisions. 

“There’s also the sporting aspect, and then there’s Luis Enrique’s moving story, which touched the president. For all these reasons, Luis Enrique was the chosen one.”

Fast forward to this summer, and Alonso’s long-term intention became reality when he accepted the Real Madrid job. 

Despite some criticism surrounding his training methods and tactical routines inside the dressing room, the broader picture suggests that many of those complaints have been exaggerated. 

Madrid’s start to the season under him has been far from disastrous, and internally, there is a belief that Alonso is laying the foundations for a long-term project rather than chasing instant perfection.