Xabi Alonso is now without a job after Real Madrid decided to make changes in the dugout midway through the season, like Manchester United, by hiring a former player-turned-coach on an interim basis.
Between January 1 and January 13, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid have parted ways with the head coach they started the season with.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by United last week after Enzo Maresca was given his marching orders at Chelsea.
Chelsea found their replacement quickly as they appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach on a six-year contract.
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Roberto De Zerbi on the touchline giving instructions.
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At United, Darren Fletcher stood in for two matches in a caretaker capacity. Michael Carrick is set to become the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. A permanent head coach will be picked in time for the 2026/27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could join the hunt for a new head coach in the summer, despite Alvaro Arbeloa succeeding Alonso in the hot seat at the Bernabeu. It is not clear if this is on a permanent basis or just until the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso press conference
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Xabi Alonso becomes an option for Manchester United
The sacking of Alonso came as a shock on Monday evening, even though Real Madrid had lost the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.
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Alonso only succeeded Carlo Ancelotti as head coach seven months ago and leaves Real Madrid second in La Liga, four points adrift of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side.
After getting off to a flying start at Madrid, after winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso’s side suffered a dip in form over the winter months.
Although it’s ended prematurely for Alonso at Real Madrid, the former Liverpool star’s reputation remains strong in Europe, and he is set to be linked with top Premier League clubs over the coming months.
United will inevitably be part of that conversation now, even though Alonso has his links to Liverpool, who could join the race if they view this as an opportunity to upgrade from Arne Slot.
Miguel Delaney of The Independent claims to have spoken to someone at another major ‘super club’ in Europe, who believes United should hire Alonso following his Real Madrid dismissal.
“Someone at another major club, another Super League club said: “Well, I mean this is the sort of appointment that Manchester United should be immediately looking towards because as they put it, he is an Arne Slot/Mikel Arteta level coach who has the potential to be an elite coach.”
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It remains to be seen if United chiefs plan to consider Alonso as an option. A move would certainly irk Liverpool fans, especially those wanting the former Spain midfielder back at Anfield.
The Times believes Alonso will be of interest to United.
Xabi Alonso’s appreciation for Sir Alex Ferguson
Alonso once named Sir Alex Ferguson the “symbol of English football”.
In December 2012, United were set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16. It marked the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Sunday People at the time, cited by GiveMeSport, Alonso was asked about Ferguson and Mourinho, with the latter being in charge of Madrid at the time. He went on to state that Ferguson was “an idol” of English football.
“Ferguson is the symbol of English football and he deserves to be an idol because of the work he has done,” Alonso said. “I believe his players are happy with him and that is excellent for the atmosphere of the club.”
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