Manchester City are interested in appointing Xabi Alonso as Pep Guarduila’s long-term successor, although there are complications in the chase.
According to Sport Bild via Sport Witness, Manchester City are seriously considering appointing Xabi Alonso as Pep Guardiola’s long-term successor. The Spanish coach continues to excel at Bayer Leverkusen, and his interest in focusing on the football could bring about complications in the chase not only for Manchester City but for other suitors as well.
Manchester City have endured a season to forget following a dismal run from the midway point of the campaign up until now. The Premier League champions are not in the title race and were eliminated from the Champions League, with the FA Cup being the solitary competition they can win this time around.
Their bad run of form and defeats in major games have probably shown a different picture to those in charge of the club. This is probably the first time doubts have lingered around Pep Guardiola, who, despite being considered one of the best coaches in the world, may have a shaky time ahead at the Etihad.
While most reports have sugegsted the club continues to back Guardiola and is not thinking about parting ways, things could still change in the summer. Considering the Catalan only signed a one-year extension to his previous deal, not many would be surprised if the club decided to take a new approach for their future.
They had an interest in Xabi Alonso before Guardiola penned the extension, and now it appears Manchester City have rekindled their interest in the Spaniard. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has enjoyed a fruitful spell at Bayer Leverkusen; as the report stresses, he’s not overly interested in the politics of the game and continues to enjoy the freedom to play the way he wants at the BayArena.
Manchester City’s chase of Xabi Alonso complicated
Real Madrid are also in the mix for Alonso, as they feel the Spaniard is the right man to succeed the legendary Carlo Ancelotti. However, Alonso is seemingly happy at Leverkusen, and might even push to stay here to improve his style and understanding of the game as a manager.
Manchester City might be an attractive destination, but there’s reportedly no indication from Alonso that he may want to move there immediately. For now, the club might persist with Guardiola at least until the end of his current contract and then potentially make a move for the Bundesliga manager in the future. However, they will face massive competition from some of their biggest rivals.
