Alonso Turns Down Marseille Amid Liverpool Links

Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid coach, has turned down an approach from Marseille to return to management, amid growing speculation that he could replace Arne Slot at Liverpool if the Dutchman's tenure ends this summer.

Alonso, 44, parted ways with Real Madrid in January after just seven months in charge, following a string of poor results that culminated in a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona. Despite the abrupt exit, his reputation remains strong, built on his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen and his playing career, including a spell as a midfielder at Liverpool from 2004 to 2009. Reports indicate that Alonso is in no rush to take on a new role, preferring to wait until the end of the 2025-26 season when several high-profile positions may open up.

The approach from Marseille came shortly after the Ligue 1 club dismissed Roberto De Zerbi in the wake of a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and an early exit from the Champions League league phase. The French side, currently fourth in the league and five points behind third-placed Lyon, sought stability with Alonso's experience. However, he declined, citing the club's ongoing instability, including the brief...