Alonso's long-game strategy has left one clear winner

Xabi Alonso always played the game at his own speed. It was part of his strength as a footballer, a cool detachment, an ability to see the big picture and to identify the right move. Like many a Spanish midfielder, he did not always take the most direct route. When he did, though, a remarkable long passer could do so with great success.

- RICHARD JOLLY

The characteristics that made one of the most cerebral of players an obvious candidate for management seem apparent in his choices in his coaching career. Alonso could have been fasttracked to two of his former clubs, and two of Europe’s super clubs. And he will take things at his own pace, staying at Bayer Leverkusen. He has been unhurried: in making a decision, in plotting his path.

“There has been a lot of speculation around my future, we have been busy and focused and I wanted the international break to reflect a bit better,” he said. “I had a very good meeting with the decision-makers, and I decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I have to feel it, and right now I feel this is the right place.”

The presumption is that he will still find his way to at least one of Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid at some stage; perhaps more, given the high turnover of managers at the Allianz Arena and the Bernabeu and the stellar reputation of a man Jurgen Klopp has described as the “standout” manager of the next generation is forging.

Yet, equally, it is rare for both Bayern and Liverpool to be looking for a manager in the same summer – it last happened in 2011, before then in 2004 – and at Anfield, anyway, Klopp’s long reign has shown a preference for and the merits of stability. Klopp’s replacement could still be in situ early in the 2030s.