Xabi Alonso’s return to Liverpool felt inevitable – behind the scenes, the reality was always different

Despite public perception that Xabi Alonso was the inevitable successor to manage Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp's departure, the club privately identified Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as a better fit for their desired style of play. Liverpool ultimately chose Arne Slot as Klopp's replacement, with Alonso's return to Anfield as head coach never being as straightforward as it appeared from the outside. The article, written by Richard Jolly for The Independent, reveals the behind-the-scenes reality differed significantly from the narrative surrounding the club legend's supposed homecoming.