Xabi Alonso ‘is a leading contender to take over at Tottenham’ with Leverkusen boss’s star-studded football resume putting him above Feyenoord’s Arne Slot’ with Daniel Levy also ‘wary of the age of the 35-year-old Julian Nagelsmann’
- Alonso is reportedly the first choice to become Tottenham’s new manager
- Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has also been linked, but Alonso has an advantage
Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the Tottenham Hotspur job after an impressive season at Bayer Leverkusen.
Spurs are looking for a new permanent manager after the sacking of Antonio Conte, the sacking of his interim successor Cristian Stellini and the appointment of Ryan Mason.
Mason, 31, oversaw the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last week and the heartbreaking defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the semi-finals of the Europa League, would be a top contender for the Spurs job, according to the Dutch publication. The Telegraph.
The Spaniard would have an advantage over Feyenoord boss and fellow candidate Arne Slot, who has led his team to an eight-point lead in the top of the Eredivisie.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso regarded as Tottenham Hotspur’s ‘number one’ target
Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot is also in the race after an impressive season in the Netherlands
Ryan Mason is the interim manager of the club, the 31-year-old replaces Cristian Stellini
They report that Slot’s lack of experience in “a major league” and a shortfall in trophies to his name could count against him from now on.
Alonso’s ‘caliber’ during his playing days as a top midfielder is attractive to Tottenham, according to De Telegraaf, but no contact has yet been made by Spurs.
The 41-year-old’s Leverkusen team is sixth in the Bundesliga, having won 14 of their 30 games so far this season. He has implemented an attractive style of attacking football.
Spurs are also keen on Julian Nagelsmann, but according to reports in The Sun, chairman Daniel Levy had reservations about the 35-year-old German due to his age.
However, it is not thought to be a deal breaker and Nagelsmann remains the favorite with the bookies.
He had been the main contender for the job at Chelsea before withdrawing from the race after being shocked by the club’s process and thinking he was a shoo-in for the role.
Mail Sport previously reported that Spurs are investigating an interest in Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese is counted among the best up and coming coaches in Europe and is on Tottenham’s radar. He is also on Chelsea’s radar. Tottenham insist the appointment of Conte’s long-term successor is an open process with no firm first choice as it currently stands.
Vincent Kompany is interesting, although Burnley would like to commit the Belgian to a new contract.
Julian Nagelsmann remains the bookmakers’ favorite to become the next full-time Spurs manager
Mauricio Pochettino has been favored by some players and large swathes of the fan base, but looks set to become manager at Chelsea.
Slot, meanwhile, is said to be “convinced” that he can implement his philosophy at any club in the Premier League if given the chance.
Feyenoord would like to keep Slot for another season and could increase his salary for this, so that he can impress his team in the Champions League next season and further increase his chances of a job in England.
Slot was a previous candidate for the Leeds United role, but opted to remain in the Premiership rather than join the relegation fighters, who will appoint Sam Allardyce as their head coach for the remaining four games of the season.