Why Liverpool decided not to target a move for Xabi Alonso this summer | OneFootball

The idea that Liverpool missed out on Xabi Alonso simply because they waited too long to sack Arne Slot may not be as straightforward as it sounds. Football expert Kevin Hatchard has pushed back on that view, arguing that Alonso may never have been the perfect stylistic fit for what Liverpool want next.

Alonso is obviously a brilliant coach and a Liverpool legend, but Hatchard’s point is that his football is not really the aggressive, high-speed, full-throttle style many supporters associate with the club.

Liverpool are searching for a new head coach after Slot’s departure. Slot has already said his farewell after a difficult second season, despite having delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title in his first campaign.

Andoni Iraola is now widely seen as the leading candidate to replace him.

This is where the Iraola argument becomes interesting. Liverpool fans often talk about wanting the team to rediscover the energy and intensity of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Liverpool feel Iraola is similar to former manager Klopp

Klopp’s “vollgas” football was emotional, direct and physically overwhelming. Hatchard believes Iraola is much closer to that profile than Alonso.

Alonso’s teams are intelligent, controlled and tactically polished. That is not a criticism.

In fact, it is why he is so highly rated. But if Liverpool want pressing, chaos, speed and constant forward momentum, Iraola may fit the brief better.

There is also the timing point. The claim that Liverpool “missed” Alonso because they acted too late does not fully add up.

Oliver Kay has suggested it was made clear to him in March that, even if Liverpool were looking for a new coach, Alonso would not have been the preferred option.

He also noted that Liverpool could have spoken to Alonso before he took the Chelsea job if they really wanted to.

That makes Liverpool’s direction look more intentional than desperate.

Reds have high hopes of the Spanish manager

Iraola has Premier League experience, recently left Bournemouth after an impressive spell, and already has a strong relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes from their time together on the south coast.

Sky Sports has also described Iraola as the frontrunner and an exciting option, even if the appointment would carry some risk.

Liverpool choosing Iraola over Alonso would not be a failure. It would simply show they are prioritising style and fit over romance.

Alonso would have been a beautiful story, but not every beautiful story is the right football decision.

Liverpool need a coach who matches the identity they want to rebuild. If that means choosing Iraola because his football feels closer to Klopp’s intensity, then it makes sense.