Liverpool legend John Barnes has explained why he believes Xabi Alonso was happy to take over as Chelsea boss
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso(Image: Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool legend John Barnes says he isn't surprised Xabi Alonso chose to take over as new boss at Chelsea given the problems Arne Slot is now facing following in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Despite winning the Premier League in his first season in charge, Slot has come in for fearful abuse from a number of supporters after a disappointing defence of the title ended with Liverpool finishing in fifth place.
Alonso, who ruled himself out of the race to succeed Klopp in 2024, was heavily linked with replacing Slot this summer should Fenway Sports Group have chosen to sack the Dutchman.
But the Spaniard - a Champions League winner with Liverpool as a player in 2005 - earlier this month accepted the invitation to take over as Chelsea boss next season having been out of work after being given the boot by Real Madrid in January after barely six months in charge.
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And Barnes believes the shadow of the Klopp era continues to loom over the Liverpool squad and has contributed to Alonso's move to Stamford Bridge.
“I don’t think it’s a shock at all because when you look at what Jurgen Klopp created at Liverpool, it’s a bit like what Sir Alex Ferguson created at Manchester United, where any manager coming in is going to be judged against what they did," said Barnes.
"So if Xabi had come back to Liverpool there would have been huge pressure. At Chelsea I think he’ll get more time than he would have had at Liverpool."
Speaking to betfred.com, Barnes added: "I’m a fan of Arne Slot, but Xabi probably looks at that situation and thinks who wants to go to Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp because as we’ve seen from Mo Salah’s social post, the players are invested in Jurgen’s way of playing football.
"So Xabi going to Chelsea doesn’t surprise me.”
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