Liverpool legend advises Xabi Alonso not to rush back to management after Real Madrid fired the head coach.
Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid after just seven months in charge and has already been linked with a quick return to management.
Manchester United have a long-term opening for a permanent manager that they want to fill by the start of next season. But Nicol thinks the 44-year-old would be better off staying away.
Steve Nicol tells Xabi Alonso not to consider Manchester United role
Steve Nicol has told Xabi Alonso to steer clear of the Manchester United job after his Real Madrid exit, saying the former Liverpool midfielder needs time to reflect before jumping back in.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol said Alonso should take a break after a turbulent spell in Spain, rather than rush into another high-pressure job.
“I think not… Just take the Liverpool side of it away,” Nicol said when asked if Alonso should take the United job. “You talk about coming out of the frying pan and into the fire.
“No. Xabi Alonso needs to have nothing to do with anything for a good six months. Then, look back, and figure out what happened at Real Madrid…
“He needs to go sit on the beach for six months, have a couple of tequilas, and decide what to do. But stay away from Manchester United.”
Calls for patience amid speculation
Xabi Alonso’s stint at Real Madrid started brightly but quickly soured. A string of poor results — including a Super Cup defeat to Barcelona — left the club well off the pace in La Liga.
His sudden exit has made him one of the most talked-about free agents in European football.
Manchester United are expected to name Michael Carrick their caretaker manager until the summer as they search for a permanent replacement.
While Alonso remains a popular name among fans, Nicol believes a break from the game is in the manager’s best interest.
Furthermore, Alonso’s previous connection to Liverpool, having played for Manchester United’s rivals for years before joining Real Madrid, could factor into any decision on either side.
Read More: Xabi Alonso replaced by former Liverpool teammate as Real Madrid manager
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