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Xabi Alonso may have helped his former side out by snubbing Liverpool interest.
(Image: Getty)
Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen may have helped Liverpool out, with Bayern Munich now reportedly eyeing up Aston Villa’s Unai Emery. The Spanish coach has impressed since returning to the Premier League and Emery is mooted as a serious candidate for the Bayern job.
A remarkable achievement, not least because Villa were in the midst of a relegation battle when he took over from Steven Gerrard. But a report from German outlet Bild has suggested Bayern are considering an approach for Emery, having been snubbed by Leverkusen boss Alonso.
The ex-Real Madrid ace was a target for both Bayern and Liverpool, but Alonso opted to stick around in Germany and stay at champions Leverkusen for another year at least. If Villa continue to improve under Emery next season, they may present an even bigger threat to Liverpool, who could fall behind Manchester City and Arsenal following Jurgen Klopp’s exit.
Unai Emery is said to be on Bayern Munich’s wishlist. (Image: Getty)
What’s more, Emery taking over from Thomas Tuchel is a move that has been given the seal of approval from German legend Lothar Matthaus.
On the rumours, Matthaus told Sky Germany: “I would get Unai Emery from Aston Villa. He’s doing a great job there.
He has a lot of experience – including internationally – and he has titles to his name with Sevilla, for example. “He speaks perfect English.
He can then learn German, but the players can all speak English anyway, so I don’t see any language barrier. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
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Villa aren’t the only Premier League side sweating over the future of their manager, with Bayern – and Liverpool – also rumoured to be interested in Roberto De Zerbi.
The Brighton & Hove Albion chief has been in charge for close to two years now and is said to be on the radar of both clubs. Speaking about his future earlier in the season, De Zerbi said: “This season for me has been tough.
At the beginning, my dream was different, completely different. “When I have spoken about the club, Tony Bloom, you [the media] have not understood the right way.
If I have to say something to Tony, I call him and I tell him what I want to say.”