28 September 2023 , 18:54
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Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a summer managerial candidate for Real Madrid as an alternative to Xabi Alonso.
Earlier this week, reports in Spain claimed that Madrid have ‘chosen’ Alonso as their new boss with Carlo Ancelotti set to depart the Spanish giants at the end of the season for the Brazil national team job. There have been suggestions that the 41-year-old could be the long-term successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Despite the German coach having a deal through to 2026 and not considering leaving the Reds any time soon, Klopp has suggested he would quit his role if disappointing campaigns like last season became a regular occurrence. He has also been linked to the German national team role, which is due to become vacant after Euro 2024 when Julian Nagelsmann’s contract ends.
Alonso has started to garner a reputation as one of the most exciting managerial prospects in Europe following his impressive work in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen – where he was appointed a year ago. It comes after the former central midfielder impressed as coach of Real Sociedad’s B side.
Real Madrid ’s job is set to become available next summer when Ancelotti is expected to move on and while Alonso is bound to be a strong candidate for the role, Los Blancos will also be monitoring other targets with De Zerbi among them.
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The Italian has done an outstanding job since replacing Graham Potter at Brighton a year ago, guiding them into a Europa League spot and the semi-finals of the FA Cup. His impressive body of work, centred on coaching high-risk, attacking football, has also seen notably successful stints in charge of Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
It is anticipated that De Zerbi will be in high-demand once he does move on from the Seagulls due to his style of play and success on England’s south coast. He is likely to be wanted by several Premier League giants, with Madrid now also admirers of his work – and an appointment would leave the door open for Alonso eventually returning to Anfield.
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Alonso has hugely impressed in his first year in charge at Bayer Leverkusen (AFP via Getty Images)Alonso impressed in his first season in Leverkusen, inheriting a side near the foot of the table and recording a sixth-placed finish in the Bundesliga. The former midfielder also guided the club to the last four of the Europa League, where they were edged out by Roma, and he penned a new contract through to 2026 in the summer.
Bayer have also made a flying start to this season, winning five of their six matches across all competitions; the only game which they failed to win was an away match at Bayern Munich, where they secured a last-gasp draw to ensure they remain tied at the top of the standings with Thomas Tuchel’s side.