
Sport
Share
Published 09:56 20 Feb 2026 GMT
Updated 09:56 20 Feb 2026 GMT
Former Real Madrid and Bayern Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly rejected an approach from one of Europe's top clubs, over concerns that the environment would have been too chaotic.
Alonso and Real Madrid parted company in January, after the 44-year-old had lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Super Cup.
The Spanish coach had previously become the first manager in a decade to beat Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title, and is known for coaching teams to play attractive attacking football.
Despite boasting such an impressive CV, Alonso will not be returning to management in the next few weeks.
18+ Be Gamble Aware
According to a report in French outlet RMC Sport, Xabi Alonso turned down an approach from Ligue 1 side Marseille.
The French giants are on the lookout for a new head coach following the departure of Roberto di Zerbi earlier this month.
Per the report, one of the key reasons why Alonso turned down the approach was an 'unstable situation' at the club.
Suggestions of chaos behind the scenes have come about following the resignation of the club's sporting director Mehdi Benatia last weekend.
The 38-year-old former Bayern Munich player, first resigned days after di Zerbi's exit, citing "a breakdown in communication" at board level, before later being persuaded to return by Marseille owner Frank McCourt.
Amidst all the changes, Alonso has opted to bide his time and wait out for another opportunity to arise.
Aside from Marseille, it has also been reported that Xabi Alonso will be a target for the likes of Liverpool, Man City and Man United this summer.
Explore more on these topics:
Pep Guardiola’s England U-turn: The truth behind the FA’s manager search
Pep talk gone wrong Pep Guardiola reportedly came close to taking over as England manager before Thomas Tuchel was ultimately appointed. According to The Athletic, the Football Association had reached a verbal agreement with Guardiola after Gareth Southgate stepped down. However, the move never went ahead after Guardiola reportedly changed his mind, leaving the FA […]
Sport
3 days ago
How to watch WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in the UK: Start time and free live stream details
Here’s how you can watch it for free The WWE Saturday Night’s Main event is back with an interesting card in Madison Square Garden this weekend, just two weeks before the two-night SummerSlam extravaganza. Almost just like the special event in May, the SNME this weekend is an opportunity for the WWE superstars who don’t […]
Sport
3 days ago
Football fans are just noticing Dan Burn only has nine fingers, here’s why
Sport