Bayern Legend: "Probably impossible" to hire Xabi Alonso
As we inch closer and closer to what could be one of the most impactful summers in the sport's recent history, the chase for the hottest managerial candidate has taken another turn.
As Xabi Alonso continues to have his Bayer Leverkusen side rolling along like a tremendous machine with a 10 point lead in the Bundesliga, a Semifinal spot in the German Cup and a Europa League Quarterfinal slot, the biggest clubs in the world have made him their No. 1 targets.
The two loudest admirers are Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Both clubs are in the market for a new manager as their current bosses play out the stretch for very different reasons.
There have been reports that Liverpool are the frontrunners while reading another article would have you thinking Bayern was in the driver's seat.
The saga took an interesting twist when Honorary Bayern Munich president and club icon Uli Hoeness stated Thursday he believed Alonso would not be attainable this summer.
Speaking to local television, he said;
"We'll have to see if we can do it this year. It will be dificult, if not probably impossible. (Alonso) is more inclined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in view of their current successes, because he would not want to leave them behind."
Hoeness would continue; "Let's say if he had two or three more years of success, it would probably be easier to bring him out of there."
This is not to say that suddenly the Xabi Alonso sweepstakes are over at all. This could very well just be one man's opinion on the situation. However, Hoeness is well connected within German football circles so he might have more intel then others.
However, I don't foresee Liverpool suddenly giving up the chase for the Spaniard as he appears to be the perfect candidate to replace the departing Jurgen Kopp.
As we look ahead, Liverpool and Bayern, two heavyweights of the game, will continue their tug-of-war battle for Alonso. If Hoeness is to be believed, it could all be for naught in the end. Time will tell.