Xabi Alonso's Stance on Taking Tottenham Job Revealed

Xabi Alonso, recently sacked from Real Madrid, has reportedly been contacted by Tottenham Hotspur amid speculation over manager Thomas Frank's future, but his stance remains cautious due to Spurs' mid-table position.[1][2][3]

Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid on Monday, less than 24 hours after their Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona. The 44-year-old, a former Liverpool midfielder and Real legend, described the role as an "honour" but left after 34 games, with players reportedly not responding to his methods. Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Madrid's interim manager.[1][3]

Tottenham, sitting 14th in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup, are reportedly progressing positively in talks with Alonso following Frank's struggles. Bookmakers have installed him as the 4/1 favourite to replace Frank, ahead of Oliver Glasner (5/1) and Marco Silva (6/1). A Fichajes report claims Spurs want to signal ambition by hiring the highly-rated coach, who excelled at Bayer Leverkusen.[2][3]

However, sources suggest Alonso is unlikely to join Tottenham at this stage. Spanish press analysis indicates Spurs' chances of convincing him are slim, given their recent 17th-place finish and current form. He is more likely to attract offers from top clubs like Liverpool, where he was once the dream successor to Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool, the defending champions, admire Alonso and could restart talks if Arne Slot fails to improve results.[1][4]

Other links include Manchester United, per The Independent's Miguel Delaney, and Manchester City. Simon Jordan opined that Alonso, unlike Frank, would demand elite signings like rejecting Conor Gallagher, posing challenges for Spurs' hierarchy.[1][2]

While Tottenham see Alonso as a "no-brainer" to maximize talent and signal intent, his preference for bigger projects makes a move "hard to envision."[4] Negotiations continue, but competition from elite suitors may thwart Spurs' ambitions.

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