“100%”: Manager responds when asked about links to Tottenham

Follow us on Google Discover

Tottenham have been strongly linked with a move for Xabi Alonso so far this week as the hunt to replace Antonio Conte goes on.

De Telegraaf believe the Spaniard is now Daniel Levy’s No.1 target at Spurs.

The Evening Standard even add that Alonso is expected to hold talks with Tottenham.

Now – however – the man himself has spoken.

What’s the story?

Well, Alonso was asked about stories linking him to the vacancy at Tottenham.

The 41-year-old has also been mentioned as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Alonso said: “I’ve been in football for many years, rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve. That’s why my head is 100% here for the last few months, and my head is also 100% here for next season.”

There you have it.

Of course, a lot can change very quickly in football, although Alonso certainly seems committed to Bayer Leverkusen, and why wouldn’t he?

The German side gave the Spaniard his first real opportunity in management when they offered him the chance to leave his role in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team in October and become Gerardo Seoane’s replacement.

Since then, Alonso has taken Bayer Leverkusen from 17th to 6th in the Bundesliga, while also booking a UEFA Europa League Semi-Final clash against Roma.

Tottenham should let Xabi Alonso develop

As aforesaid, Alonso is currently in his first senior role in the world of football management.

He is still learning his trade as he embarks on the infancy of his managerial career, so Tottenham should let him develop and make his mistakes in a less pressurised environment.

It feels like a move to Spurs would come far too early for Alonso if he made the switch now.

Of course, there is the temptation for Tottenham to take a gamble and potentially secure a future star of football management, but the risk is too large.

Tottenham are in a real mess right now, and we believe it will take an experienced head to come in and sort them out – or a young coach with plenty of senior experience, like Julian Nagelsmann.