Xabi Alonso rejects Marseille job, holding out for Liverpool role

Xabi Alonso has turned down an approach to become Marseille's head coach, citing the "chaotic" state of the club and a desire for a more stable project after his short-lived spell at Real Madrid. The 44-year-old was sacked by Madrid in early January after a turbulent seven-month reign and had previously enjoyed a successful three-year tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.

A potential vacancy at his former club Liverpool has been suggested as pressure builds on Arne Slot; Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League, 16 points behind leaders Arsenal. Marseille moved quickly after Roberto De Zerbi left by mutual consent following a 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on February 8, but Alonso "immediately" rebuffed the approach, reportedly put off by internal instability.

Sporting director Medhi Benatia announced his resignation before owner Frank McCourt rejected it and demoted club president Pablo Longoria to "institutional responsibilities," handing Benatia control over sporting operations until the end of the season.

xabi alonso, marseille, liverpool, arne slot, de zerbi, real madrid, bayer leverkusen, frank mccourt, pablo longoria, medhi benatia