Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso is being heavily linked to the coaching job at his former club, but his former coach Rafa Benitez has some words of caution for him.
With Jurgen Klopp set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Alonso, who is currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as a top candidate for the job. However, Benitez, who coached Alonso during his time at Liverpool, has warned him about the challenges that come with such a high-profile position.
In an interview with The Times, Benitez praised Alonso as a “big name” and a “good professional,” but raised concerns about the pressure that comes with managing a top club like Liverpool. He pointed out that with legends like Steven Gerrard potentially waiting in the wings, the expectations would be sky-high for Alonso.
While Benitez believes that Alonso has the potential to be a successful manager, he questioned whether he could handle the long-term demands of the job. Managing a top club like Liverpool means constantly being under the spotlight and facing intense scrutiny from fans and the media.
Benitez emphasized that while Alonso may have the talent and the players to succeed, the pressure to deliver trophies every season can be overwhelming. Even finishing second in the league could be seen as a failure in the eyes of many.
As Alonso weighs his options and considers the possibility of returning to Liverpool as a coach, Benitez’s words serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Managing a top club is not just about tactics and team selection, but also about handling the immense pressure and expectations that come with the job.
Only time will tell if Alonso decides to take on the challenge and follow in the footsteps of his former coach at Liverpool. But one thing is for sure – the road to success in the world of football management is never easy, especially at a club as storied and demanding as Liverpool.
