Xabi Alonso gets a seal of approval to manage Man City amid uncertainty over Pep Guardiola future
Xabi Alonso would be a good pick to replace Pep Guardiola if the Spaniard leaves Manchester City at the end of the season.
That’s according to former Liverpool star Dean Saunders, who thinks the 42-year-old has the qualities required to succeed at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s current contract at City is due to expire at the end of the campaign.
He has regularly hinted that he could leave the club, having won six Premier League titles since replacing Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.
Xabi Alonso has been backed to manage Man City despite turning down the chance to manage Liverpool back in the summer
PA
When it comes to potential successors, Alonso is seen as one of the frontrunners.
The former Liverpool star has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen and guided the German giants to Bundesliga glory last term without losing a single league game.
He also steered them to DFK-Pokal glory, while Leverkusen finished as runners-up in the Europa League.
Alonso was initially the obvious pick to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. That didn’t happen, however, with the former midfielder opting to stay at Leverkusen – with the Reds then going for Arne Slot.
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Saunders, speaking exclusively to GB News via 888 Sport, feels Guardiola cannot be replaced.
But he also thinks Alonso would be a worthy replacement if and when the 53-year-old decides to depart.
“You can’t replace Pep. What he has done for Man City is incredible. He is unique, a one off, teams try to copy his style of play,” he said.
“To win the Premier League so many times, a treble as well, I know he has had money, but still, he has been incredible for Man City.
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“The football they play, to win four in a row is some achievement.
“But, once Pep leaves, Xabi Alonso could do well. You see what he did last year and he took the Bundesliga by storm with the way he got his team playing and to win by a long way must prove he has talent and could bring a good style to the Premier League.”
Since Liverpool missed out on Alonso, Slot has guided the Reds to the top of the Premier League table.
And Saunders has been impressed by the work the Dutchman has done during his time in charge.
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“Looking at Arne Slot, he has come in and continued the work from Klopp,” he continued.
“The press, the attacking play, the basis of the team who played last year have all remained and the team have started the season so well.
“Defensively you can see there is a massive improvement and Liverpool aren’t conceding many goals at all.
“Up the other end Salah is still at the top of his game, Nunez is scoring, as is Gakpo too.”
Dean Saunders has lavished praise on Arne Slot amid Liverpool’s impressive form
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Two of Liverpool’s key players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, are out of contract at the end of the season.
And Saunders thinks the pair will be tough to replace if they do end up leaving Anfield for a new challenge elsewhere.
“Both have been incredible for the club. Both will go down in history as being one of the best centre backs and forwards respectively. Looking at both of them this season, they seem rejuvenated,” he continued.
“And both playing at a high level. So maybe they will want to both go out on a high and win the Premier League once more, or even another Champions League. You can’t argue if they want to leave, but they will be so difficult to replace.”
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