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The Xabi Alonso dream was over a long time before it emerged, publicly at least, that Arne Slot was the man who Liverpool had selected as its next head coach.

But the Alonso appeal was obvious: it wasn’t just his incredible record at Bayer Leverkusen that had swayed me, although that clearly played a massive part.

It was the familiarity that he would have brought amid Liverpool’s biggest change in almost a decade.

Jürgen Klopp’s departure will be hard to take, and seeing Alonso stepping into the breach would have softened the blow somewhat.

Unfortunately, I and every other fan who had their heart set on that now has to accept that if the Reds are to succeed, it might mean Alonso never gets his chance at Anfield.

As much as I loved watching Alonso the midfield maestro, I care a lot more about Liverpool continuing its success post-Klopp.

If that means Arne Slot for the next decade, then I can happily live with not seeing Alonso the manager up close.

What does fill me with dread though is the idea of the Spaniard taking over at one of Liverpool’s rivals.

It's possible that Guardiola’s plans could change, and Alonso has already sprung something of a surprise by turning down Liverpool and Bayern’s advances.