Kylian Mbappe has publicly endorsed Xabi Alonso, highlighting his managerial skills. Alonso, currently a free agent, may attract interest from clubs, prompting FSG to take notice.
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Kylian Mbappe sends clear message on Xabi Alonso; FSG should be on red alert
Kylian Mbappe has given his former manager, Xabi Alonso, a ringing endorsement.
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The ex-Real Madrid boss ā who left Los Blancos by āmutual consentā back in mid-January ā remains a free agent on the managerial market.
Reports indicate that Chelsea are interested in the Spanish head coach. However, the Blues are said to be considering their options between Alonso and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Fabrizio Romano relayed the France internationalās comments on X (formerly Twitter), in which the striker publicly backed his old coach.
It should, perhaps, come as no surprise, given that Mbappeās relationship with both Real Madrid fans and teammates has become somewhat difficult in recent weeks.
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Kylian Mbappe gave a strong endorsement of Xabi Alonso, praising his managerial abilities.
FSG should be concerned as Xabi Alonso, a free agent, could attract interest from clubs looking for a new manager.
Xabi Alonso is currently a free agent after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January.
Mbappe's endorsement could enhance Alonso's appeal to potential clubs seeking a new manager.
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Not to mention the fact that current boss Alvaro Arbeloa appears to be comparatively less enamoured with the 27-year-old than his predecessor.
āIām well, Iām 100 per cent,ā Mbappe told reporters.
āI didnāt play because the coach [Arbeloa] told me Iām the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vinicius [Junior] and Gonzalo. I accept it and play the time Iām given. I think I played well.
āI was ready to start. Iām not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coachās decision. Iāll work hard to get back into the starting lineup.ā
A claim vehemently denied by the Real Madrid manager.
Even at Real Madrid, few can argue with the numbers Alonso posted in the Spanish capital.
* Xabi Alonsoās managerial stats (Transfermarkt)
To put things into perspective, the La Liga giantsā points per game figure has since tumbled to 1.92 since Arbeloa took over.
Publicly, Liverpool have made their position clear: they want to stick with Arne Slot going into the 2026/27 campaign.
Privately, it would seem that the Reds arenāt overwhelmingly convinced that Xabi Alonso would be the right man to come in for the Dutchman this summer.
The hesitation among key decision-makers and, presumably, FSGās part is understandable. In Slot, they have a Premier League-winning manager whose squad is in transition, has been impacted by severe injuries, and, of course, the tragedy of Diogo Jotaās passing ahead of the season start.
There are mitigating factors.
And with the ex-Feyenoord bossās contract set to run out in 2027, a final year in charge gives him the chance to either prove his worth and justify a contract extension, or prove the concerns of the majority of the fanbase.
If itās the latter, however, we may very well end up missing the boat on a potentially ideal successor in Alonso. And weāll have inadvertently strengthened a rival in Chelsea.
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