“You have to be a real man to turn a club like Liverpool down” - Dirk Kuyt offers opinion on Xabi Alonso rejecting Anfield job

Former Liverpool midfielder Dirk Kuyt has shared his thoughts on Xabi Alonso rejecting the managerial job earlier this summer. He said that while the decision was strange, it was also really brave of Alonso to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Merseysiders parted ways with Jurgen Klopp this summer after an illustrious nine-year stint. The German announced his decision back in January and hence, the club were looking to find a replacement since then. Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso was heavily linked with a return to Anfield but he asserted his loyalty to his current club Bayer Leverkusen.

In a recent interview with Ladbrokes 1-2-Free, Dirk Kuyt offered his opinion about Alonso's decision and said (via Mirror):

"I didn't speak with Xabi [Alonso] about the Liverpool job earlier this year, so I don't know exactly what his thoughts on it were. But when a club like Liverpool is coming for you, as a manager, and you have history there as a former player... you have to be a real man to turn a club like Liverpool down."

He added:

"But I think he did it with good reason. He is in the middle of making an unbelievable career, and what he achieved last season with Bayern Leverkusen was amazing. And I think he had a feeling that he was not finished with that job yet.

"I think he wants to become an even better manager, get some more experience and, I don't know, maybe it's a job he'll look at again at a later date. I don't think for a second that it's a case of him not being interested in Liverpool."

Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last season, doing so without losing a single game. They lost just one game across competitions in the entire season - the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta.

Kuyt further spoke about Alonso's decision and also reflected on the experience need to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. He said:

"But, to manage that team after Jurgen Klopp, you know, I think you need a lot of experience. Xabi is still a young manager and, despite him having won a lot already, so early on in his managerial career, I think he chose wisely to stay with Leverkusen.

"I don't think many people would have done that. Maybe, for some people, it's a strange decision... it is - at least - a very brave decision. If you have the opportunity to manage a club like Liverpool, you know, for some people, job offers like that only come around once... I'm wondering if he'll have a second chance at it. He's one of the most promising managers in the world right now, though, that's for sure."

Alonso's contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires in 2026 and he's also been linked with the Real Madrid job. The Reds, meanwhile, have appointed Arne Slot as their new manager.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold hands Liverpool an ultimatum amidst Real Madrid interest: Reports

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid for a while now. However, journalist Christian Falk recently reported that Los Blancos' interest is concrete and the Liverpool right-back could be open to a move as well. His contract at Anfield expires in 2025.

The Express, though, have now reported that Alexander-Arnold is willing to give the Reds one more year. He wants to see if the club can compete at the highest level under Arne Slot before making his decision. At Real Madrid, he will certainly be competing at the highest level and will also be united with his compatriot and friend Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are yet to make a signing this summer after missing out on defender Leny Yoro to rivals Manchester United. They have been linked with Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio as a replacement for Joel Matip, who left on a free transfer this summer. They've also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong and West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus.