Xabi Alonso took part in his first media duties as Chelsea manager on Monday, and dodged questions on being expected to take over at Liverpool instead.
Alonso held his first press conference at Stamford Bridge along with wider interviews with the English press – including a sit-down with BBC Sport.
During his conversation with Nizaar Kinsella, the Spaniard was asked a pointed question on the belief that he would become Liverpool head coach.
Having taken the Chelsea job before Arne Slot was sacked, and then seeing former youth team-mate Andoni Iraola appointed in the Anfield dugout, it was perhaps telling that Alonso replied: “It’s about timing.”
?? "It's about timings."
Xabi Alonso on being asked whether he was ever approached by Liverpool as he begins his new challenge at Chelsea, a club he describes as "one of the biggest". pic.twitter.com/9q2XqTZDlh
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 13, 2026
KINSELLA: Everyone just sort of expected you to become maybe a Liverpool manager one day. Is it a surprise that you joined Chelsea? Was there ever that offer there from them?
ALONSO: “Well, it’s about timing. Today I’m here, first day at Stamford Bridge, first press conference with you gentlemen. So I am looking forward to this challenge.
“It’s a big challenge, but I like football, Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs. I’m looking forward to having success here.”
Was Xabi Alonso in line for the Liverpool job?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) embraces Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso before the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alonso had been considered as a possible successor to Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, where he spent a further year before taking the Real Madrid job.
He lasted only seven months at the Bernabeu before being dismissed, and his availability led many to believe he would be lined up for if Slot was sacked.
But, as he claims, the timing was simply not right and, until his abrupt exit at the end of May, Slot appeared to be heading into the summer safe in his position at Liverpool.
Alonso is now tasked with finding success in the turbulent atmosphere of Chelsea, with his first official game in charge coming against Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham.
Liverpool will meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 5, which will be the first time Alonso and Iraola have faced off as managers.
The pair both came through the academy setup at Antiguoko in their native San Sebastian, along with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
From there, their paths diverged, with Iraola spending almost the entirety of his playing career with Athletic Club in LaLiga, while both Alonso and Arteta eventually landed in the Premier League.