Ferdinand Is Surprised As Alonso Opts For Chelsea Over Liverpool Wait

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted he did not expect Xabi Alonso to take the Chelsea job, saying the Spaniard seemed destined not to return to Anfield as a coach.

Naija News reports that Chelsea confirmed Alonso as their new permanent manager on a four-year deal, replacing Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge. The appointment ends months of speculation about Alonso’s next move after leaving Real Madrid in January.

Alonso’s deep ties with Liverpool had fuelled talk of a possible return to Merseyside. The former midfielder made 210 appearances for the Reds and was part of their famous Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005. Many believed Alonso would wait for the Liverpool role to open up with questions lingering over the future of Arne Slot.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents via Metro UK, Ferdinand admitted the move caught him off guard.

“I’m genuinely surprised he’s taken that position. I’m not suggesting he’s the wrong choice,” he said.

“The reason I’m taken aback by his decision is that I thought he would have been patient enough to see how the Arne Slot situation at Liverpool would unfold.”

Ferdinand said Alonso’s long-standing affection for Liverpool made the decision even more unexpected.

“As an ex-Liverpool player, he cherished the club, always speaks positively about it, and one would think that was a relationship poised to develop behind the scenes,” he said.

“If he had just remained patient, considering the current circumstances and developments at Liverpool, he would surely be next in line for that position.”