Xabi Alonso says no to Marseille manager job in January 2026, wants stable club

Xabi Alonso said no to Marseille's manager offer. He was sacked by Real Madrid on January 13, 2026, after 233 days. He wants a more stable club.
By Newsroom | Football, Europe |

Reports indicate that Xabi Alonso has recently rejected an offer to manage French club Marseille. The reason cited for this rejection is the club's perceived "chaotic" environment. This decision comes as Alonso's future coaching position remains a subject of speculation, with links to other prominent European clubs.

Xabi Alonso 'immediately rejects' offer from top European club because they are 'too chaotic' - as sacked former Real Madrid boss keeps his options open amid Liverpool links - 1

Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid reportedly concluded with his dismissal on January 13, 2026. Prior to this, he achieved significant success with Bayer Leverkusen, securing a domestic treble. His previous coaching experience and playing career have made him a sought-after figure in the football world.

Xabi Alonso 'immediately rejects' offer from top European club because they are 'too chaotic' - as sacked former Real Madrid boss keeps his options open amid Liverpool links - 2

Club Offers and Rejections

Following his departure from Real Madrid, reports suggest Xabi Alonso has received at least one concrete offer.

Xabi Alonso 'immediately rejects' offer from top European club because they are 'too chaotic' - as sacked former Real Madrid boss keeps his options open amid Liverpool links - 3

  • Marseille's Approach: French outlet RMC Sport reported that Marseille made an approach to appoint Alonso as their new manager.

  • Immediate Rejection: Alonso reportedly "immediately rejected" this offer.

  • The stated reason for the rejection was concerns over Marseille's unstable situation and a "chaotic" environment.

  • Marseille's Subsequent Action: Following Alonso's rejection, Marseille has reportedly turned to Habib Beye, a former Newcastle defender, for their managerial role.

Context of Alonso's Real Madrid Tenure

Xabi Alonso's time as manager of Real Madrid appears to have been relatively brief and ultimately unsuccessful, leading to his dismissal.

Xabi Alonso 'immediately rejects' offer from top European club because they are 'too chaotic' - as sacked former Real Madrid boss keeps his options open amid Liverpool links - 4

  • Sacking Date: Alonso was sacked as Real Madrid coach on January 13, 2026.

  • Tenure Length: His tenure lasted approximately 233 days.

  • Reasons for Dismissal: Reports suggest several factors contributed to his sacking.

  • Tactical Experiments: His attempts to implement a back four system in Madrid were reportedly not well-received.

  • Performance Issues: While Real Madrid was leading La Liga at one point, a Super Cup loss to Barcelona is mentioned as a trigger. The situation was deemed "not sustainable."

  • Club Dynamics: The club's "DNA" and the need for a manager to align with it are cited as underlying reasons.

  • Successor Appointed: Álvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso and coach of Real Madrid's reserve team, was confirmed as his successor.

Potential Future Destinations

Despite the setback at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso remains a highly regarded coach, and speculation about his next move continues.

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  • Bundesliga Interest: There are rumors of a potential return to the Bundesliga, with Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly considering him after the dismissal of Dino Toppmöller.

  • Previous Suitors: Before taking the Real Madrid job, clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool were reportedly interested in Alonso.

  • Premier League Speculation: The Premier League is frequently mentioned as a likely destination for Alonso, with his future potentially influenced by decisions made by figures like Pep Guardiola.

  • Adaptability: His willingness to adapt tactics is noted as a potential asset for teams that are still developing chemistry.

  • Working with Directors: His experience working with a sporting director at Leverkusen suggests he is capable of collaborating in such structures, though his compatibility with specific directors remains a question.

Analysis of Managerial Philosophies

Alonso's coaching style and philosophy are key elements driving interest from various clubs.

  • Leverkusen Success: His successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a domestic treble, highlighted his ability to build a winning team.

  • Tactical Approach: He is known for his recognizable soccer philosophy. His desire for midfielders who provide rhythm and organization, such as Martin Zubimendi, indicates a strategic focus.

  • Leadership Qualities: Alonso is associated with leadership and personality. His belief that English players tend to follow a general idea suggests an understanding of team dynamics.

Conclusion and Unresolved Questions

Xabi Alonso's recent rejection of the Marseille offer underscores his selectivity in choosing his next managerial role, prioritizing stability and a suitable environment. His dismissal from Real Madrid, despite previous successes, raises questions about the club's expectations and management of coaching transitions.

  • Future Choices: Alonso appears to be keeping his options open, with interest from multiple clubs across Europe.

  • Club Environment: His decision to decline the Marseille role emphasizes his concern for a well-managed and less "chaotic" club structure.

  • Uncertainty: The specific clubs Alonso is considering or actively pursuing for his next role remain a subject of ongoing reports and speculation.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Xabi Alonso reject Marseille's manager offer recently?
Xabi Alonso said no to Marseille because he believes the club is "chaotic" and not stable. He wants to work in a more organized environment for his next manager job.
Q: When did Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso as their coach?
Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso as their coach on January 13, 2026. He was manager for about 233 days. His time ended after the club lost the Super Cup to Barcelona and faced performance issues.
Q: What happened to Xabi Alonso before he became Real Madrid coach?
Before Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso had great success with Bayer Leverkusen. He won a domestic treble with them. This success made many big clubs interested in him.
Q: What kind of club is Xabi Alonso looking for next?
Xabi Alonso is looking for a stable club with a clear plan. He wants to avoid a "chaotic" situation like he saw at Marseille. He might go to a Bundesliga or Premier League club.
Q: Who replaced Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid's manager after his sacking?
After Xabi Alonso was sacked, Álvaro Arbeloa became the new manager for Real Madrid. Arbeloa was a former teammate of Alonso and used to coach Real Madrid's reserve team.