Why Xabi Alonso turned down Liverpool as Chelsea confirms appointment for next season

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesXabi AlonsoLiverpool was snubbed by Xabi Alonso when the Reds were hunting for a successor for Jurgen Klopp. Now the Spanish midfielder will take on a managerial role at ChelseaXabi Alonso has been appointed as Chelsea's new manager(Image: Getty Images)Xabi Alonso turned down the chance to return to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp's successor with the ex-Reds midfielder set to take charge at Chelsea next season.Alonso was confirmed as the Blues new manager on a four-year deal starting on July 1.

After Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were both dismissed earlier in the season, Chelsea found itself in need of another new head coach to stabilize the project in West London with the side currently sitting ninth in the table.The club has since moved to restructure the role, reportedly offering Alonso greater authority than previous incumbents in an effort to convince him to take the next step in his managerial career and move to the Premier League.READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alonso confirmed, Diomande moveREAD MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai agrees he's 'tired of carrying Liverpool' after receiving backlashAlonso elaborated on his decision to turn down the chance to become Liverpool’s head coach in 2024, pledging his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen with the Bundesliga side going on to enjoy a historic campaign that saw it win both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal while suffering just one defeat all season – the Europa League final loss to Atalanta.Liverpool ultimately appointed Arne Slot as their new head coach, although some supporters still continue to dream of an eventual return for Alonso in the dugout at Anfield.Speaking to CNN in a wide-ranging interview following his remarkable season in Germany, Alonso reflected on rejecting interest from Liverpool and reiterated that his “bond with Liverpool is there.” “All these decisions, they need to be thorough. For sure, my bond with Liverpool is there and it’s still there.

So there’s not any kind of issue with that.” Asked directly whether he had held talks with Fenway Sports Group, Alonso replied: “That’s kind of behind the curtains.”Xabi Alonso turned down the chance to become Jurgen Klopp(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool fans have been left frustrated with Slot this season after a dismal title defense. For months Reds supporters have wanted Alonso, who has been available after parting ways with Real Madrid in January, to take over from the Dutchman.However a report from The Telegraph states that FSG would have appointed Alonso as Klopp’s successor had he accepted the role, but his decision to turn down Liverpool and subsequently wait for the Los Blancos job to become available is said to have left a strong impression on the club’s ownership.As a result, Liverpool is not currently making any plans to replace Slot this summer.Speaking after his appointment at Stamford Bridge was made public, Alonso told the club's website: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.