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At least that's how those who were fully on board the Xabi Alonso bandwagon will have felt given the news the Spaniard will almost certainly not become the next Liverpool manager.

For many Reds supporters, Alonso was both the romantic and sensible choice.

His successful five-year spell as a player means there would have been little problem in having fans onside, while his outstanding record in an admittedly brief time in charge at Bayer Leverkusen would have placed him high on the Anfield wishlist regardless of any previous links with the club.

But, barring an unexpected volte face from the Spaniard, any move to Liverpool will have to be in the future, shattering the dreams of those who couldn't see beyond the former midfielder making a return to his old stomping ground.

READ MORE: What Ruben Amorim has said about his Sporting future after Liverpool dealt Xabi Alonso blow

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In some ways, Alonso's decision to remain at Leverkusen should be applauded.

It shows not only a willingness to stay loyal to a job he clearly believes is only just truly getting started, but also that he won't be swayed by bigger clubs merely fluttering their eyelashes at him.

Such patience and obvious confidence in his own ability to attract better roles later in his career will benefit both Alonso and his present club which, who knows, could one day be Liverpool.

Of course, there will be those who think Alonso can't take Leverkusen any further, particularly if they win the domestic double this season, and would be better served testing himself at a more elite club.

However, the challenge of further cutting his managerial teeth in the Champions League next term without the pressure of being among the teams likely to win the competition - while continuing to discover just how far he can take his Leverkusen squad - will surely appeal.

None of that, though, is of interest right now for Liverpool who have accepted for some time it would be difficult to prise Alonso away from Leverkusen.

With the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona seeking a new boss this summer, Liverpool know they cannot afford to waste time should they decide Amorim is their man.

Regardless of who arrives, though, they will be in a unique position for a new Liverpool manager in that they will be coming in from the outside and taking over a team on the up rather than in decline.

The only previous times a winning team has been bequeathed was with the succession through the famed boot room of Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish.

As with the shock news of Klopp's departure, so those who had invested much in Alonso will soon come to terms with him not sitting in the home dugout at Anfield any time soon.