Xabi Alonso says he wants to “continue growing in the project” after signing a new deal to continue as coach of Real Sociedad’s reserve side, scotching rumours he was on the brink of being appointed boss of Borussia Monchengladbach.
Reports earlier this week suggested the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder was being lined up to succeed Marco Rose, who is leaving Gladbach for Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
Those reports have proven unfounded however, with Alonso agreeing fresh terms that keeps him at Sociedad until the summer of 2022.
What did Alonso say?
Alonso is highly regarded by Real Sociedad, having returned to the club he served with such distinction as a player in the summer of 2019.
His only coaching experience at that stage was with Real Madrid Under-14 side but he has already made an impact back in San Sebastian, guiding the B team to the top of the Segunda Division B Group 2 table.
“I’m very happy with how things are going,” Alonso told the club’s website. “I have had great communication with the club and I want to keep growing and helping with this project.
“These have been two very enriching years for me for me and the club. We still have higher aspirations and a lot in front of us to fight for.
“We have huge ambitions.”
The bigger picture
If Borussia Monchengladbach were indeed interested in Alonso, then this news leaves them back at square one in their hunt for a new head coach.
Their form has nosedived since Rose announced his intention to leave the club last month, losing seven straight matches before last weekend’s 3-0 win at bottom club Schalke.
That terrible run of form leaves the team down in 10th in the Bundesliga and 12 points outside the Champions League places with eight games remaining.
Rose meanwhile has admitted the angry reaction of the club's fans to news of his summer departure has affected him, though he denied that the uncertainty over his future has contributed to his side's dip in form.