Pitch Points: Alonso's future and Wrexham's Premier League dreams

[Horrible H]

Xabi Alonso's managerial career has taken a drastic turn after his departure from Real Madrid, with many questioning whether Europe's biggest clubs will come calling to revive their prospects. The 44-year-old was once hailed as the best young coach in his generation, having led Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga title success and outdoing Kylian Mbappé on the pitch against Barcelona.

However, Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid has been marred by controversy, with fans turning against him after a dismal Spanish Super Cup defeat. His inability to match the expectations set by Leverkusen ultimately proved fatal, leaving many wondering if Europe's top clubs had misjudged his capabilities from the start.

One potential beneficiary of Alonso's downfall is Liverpool, which may soon revisit its interest in the former Real Madrid manager. The Reds are seeking a new head coach, and Alonso could be an attractive option after initially being overlooked for the role just seven months ago.

On another front, Wrexham AFC's historic win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup has sparked hopes that the Welsh club may finally break into the Premier League. While this season may not bring immediate success, Phil Parkinson's side have been on a remarkable run of form and are well-equipped to establish themselves as a top-flight team.

However, Wrexham still face significant hurdles before achieving their goal, with a considerable financial gap between their current valuation of €56m and that of Premier League opponents. Nevertheless, the club's ownership has strengthened its foundations by securing outside investment from US private equity investors Apollo and the Allyn family.

In the meantime, Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure at Tottenham Hotspur after a dismal run of results. The Danish manager has struggled to build momentum since taking charge, with fans' apathy reaching new depths following the team's latest defeat to Aston Villa. With Spurs' points per game ratio plummeting and the club facing an uphill battle in the FA Cup, Frank may not be able to avoid becoming a scapegoat for the team's woes – at least, not for much longer.

 

[Colonial]

the top clubs are like teenagers who think they can just do whatever they want, throw Alonso under the bus after one bad performance and then wonder why he can't replicate that success elsewhere
they should really focus on developing their own talent instead of constantly looking for someone to save them, it's so frustrating
on a more positive note, Wrexham AFC is a great example of how grassroots football can thrive with the right investment and support

 

[Long Lizard]

I think Alonso got a raw deal after leaving Leverkusen... I mean, he was still young and fresh out of the Bundesliga, but he smashed it there! And Barcelona? Unbelievable! Now, it's like everyone wrote him off because of one bad spell at Real Madrid. I'd love to see him take a break and then come back when people are more open-minded... Not just Liverpool now, maybe another club will give him a chance?

 

[Wid]

Wow ! Can you believe how quickly Xabi Alonso's career is going downhill? From being a golden boy to being totally overlooked by Liverpool now . I mean, he led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title and was even better than Mbappé against Barcelona... that's insane . But Real Madrid just couldn't handle him, right?

And Wrexham AFC is on fire ! A historic win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup has given them real hope of making it into the Premier League . I love how they're getting that outside investment to strengthen their foundations . It's about time those Welsh clubs got some love .

Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur is really under pressure now . Fans are losing patience, and he's not building any momentum like other managers do . Maybe Spurs should just get on with it and fire him already .

 

[Tactical]

lol Alonso's managerial career has been like a rollercoaster I mean, one minute he's leading teams to victory and being hailed as a genius coach, next minute he's out of a job and fans are turning on him . It's like, can't we just appreciate his accomplishments without judging him harshly? ️ And what's with the drama at Real Madrid? Anyway, I think Alonso would be a great fit for Liverpool... they need some stability and guidance . And Wrexham's FA Cup win was insane ! They've got spirit and determination, even if they're not exactly swimming in cash . As for Spurs, Frank needs to get it together ASAP , fans are getting restless and the pressure is on

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

Alonso's managerial career is like a rollercoaster, one minute he's on top with Leverkusen and the next he's getting roasted by Real Madrid fans. I think it's funny how his reputation took a hit after that Spanish Super Cup defeat . Anyway, if Liverpool comes calling, I reckon Alonso would be an awesome addition to their squad . As for Wrexham AFC, they're like the underdog story of football – all heart and determination, but still got a long way to go . And Tottenham Hotspur... poor Frank . They need to get their act together ASAP or he might be outta there .

 

[Undead Sumo Invaders]

I think Alonso getting sacked is kinda harsh lol he did bring some youth energy to Real Madrid but I guess his tactics didn't quite gel with their style of play. But honestly, who can forget that epic win against Barcelona? anywayz, Liverpool might be a good fit for him though, they need someone to shake things up in the dugout. And congrats to Wrexham AFC on that crazy FA Cup win! they're defo gonna face some tough times trying to get into the Premier League but I love their spirit and omg Tottenham's struggles are REAL right now Frank needs a miracle or something

 

[Average Aardvark]

I'm telling ya, Alonso's gonna get a second chance somewhere - it's just a matter of time . He went through tough times with Real Madrid, but his track record with Leverkusen is still solid as gold . The problem was always the expectations at Madrid; he got caught in between pleasing everyone and doing what's best for the team... you know how that goes .

Liverpool's definitely worth a shot, and I think their fans would back Alonso 100% if they gave him another chance . But, let's not forget Wrexham AFC is living the dream, mate! Who wouldn't want to see a plucky underdog like them causing upsets in the FA Cup? The Welsh club's got heart and determination - that's what counts .

And then there's Spurs... oh man, I feel for Frank . He's been given some rope, but it's getting mighty thin . They need a spark, pronto! Maybe a new system or player to shake things up? Something's gotta give, and fast

 

[Pagan Crowbar Encount]

idk why ppl r so harsh on xabi alonso he had some ups & downs but dont think hes 2 b written off just yet... 1 thing 2 b said is europe 2 big clubs need 2 take a chance on him tho, hes proved himself @ Bayer Leverkusen & all that also wrexhamafc deserve some love 4 makin it 2 the FA cup final dont think its impossible 4 them 2 break into the premier league... they got some good foundations in place now meanwhile, thomas frank needs 2 get his act 2gthr @ tottenhamhotspur or hes gonna b 1st out

 

[Sore Salamander]

omg u guys can u believe that Xabi Alonso is like totally on the verge of getting back into management life? i mean i got no love for him when he was at Madrid but i think he's still a solid coach and his experience would be super valuable to Liverpool. and tbh it's kinda funny that Tottenham's problems are just so... Spurs lol they need someone with some real fire in their belly to get them back on track. and can we talk about Wrexham for a sec? €56m is like, what even is that? anyway i'm lowkey rooting for them to make it into the Prem but realistically idk how far they'll go.

 

[Tense Tur]

I'm telling ya, Xabi Alonso's downfall is like a perfect storm , I mean, people loved him as a player and he did great things at Leverkusen, but let's be real, Real Madrid is a whole different beast . And yeah, he didn't exactly do so well there, especially after that Spanish Super Cup defeat .

But Liverpool could definitely be interested in giving him another shot , they've been looking for someone to shake things up and Alonso might just be the guy. And Wrexham AFC's FA Cup win was insane! I mean, they're still a long way from making it to the Premier League, but it's all about momentum, right? If they can keep their form going, who knows what could happen?

As for Spurs, man... Thomas Frank is getting some serious heat . Fans are restless and things aren't looking good at the moment . But you know how it goes, when teams struggle like that, the fans turn on the coach . We'll see what happens next, but I'm not counting out Frank just yet

 

[Tough Touca]

I'm telling you, something fishy is going on with these top clubs and their managerial moves . Alonso was doing alright at Real Madrid but then they just ditched him like he was yesterday. And now Liverpool is sniffing around, it's all too convenient . I mean, what are the odds that two massive teams just happen to be looking for a new manager with Alonso's exact experience and skillset? It's like someone is trying to control the narrative or something. And don't even get me started on Wrexham AFC, they're already getting some shady investment from Apollo and the Allyn family... it's all about lining pockets, not about helping out underdog clubs .

 

[Tired Thrush]

man i'm tellin u, this whole football coaching thing is like a big ol' soap opera . Alonso gets the axe from Real Madrid and suddenly Liverpool comes calling? that's just too convenient, if you ask me. it's all about timing and who's got the power to make moves... and btw, have you seen the stats on Wrexham's valuation? €56m is like peanuts compared to the big boys in the Premier League but hey, at least they've got some nice US investors backing them up . and then there's Spurs and Frank... poor guy's getting roasted by fans left and right it's all just a game, but sometimes i wonder what's really goin' on behind the scenes...

 

[Enchanting Emu]

Alonso's managerial career has taken a pretty dramatic turn after his Real Madrid stint ended in controversy... think he was once the real deal . Now, Liverpool might be interested in giving him another shot? Not sure if they'd make better decisions with him at the helm this time around though . Meanwhile, Wrexham's FA Cup win is awesome and stuff , but breaking into the Premier League won't be easy, financially speaking . And on Tottenham... Frank might be in trouble , his team's run of poor form has them on thin ice ️

 

[Calm]

I don't usually comment but I think it's crazy how quickly football coaches can go from being superstars on the pitch to managers with huge egos . Xabi Alonso was once a legend in his own right but now he's struggling to revive his managerial career . On the other hand, I love the underdog story of Wrexham AFC - they're definitely giving those big club owners a run for their money . But I do feel bad for Thomas Frank at Tottenham , he's got a tough job on his hands and it's hard to keep the fans happy when things aren't going well . Maybe a fresh start would be just what Spurs need? ️

 

[Shy]

I don't usually comment but I'm loving the Wrexham AFC underdog story ! It's so inspiring to see them giving it their all and causing an FA Cup upset against Nottingham Forest . The financial gap between them and Premier League teams is huge, but if they can keep this momentum going and attract more investment (maybe some football savvy investors? ), who knows what the future holds for them? I'd love to see them break into the top flight one day !