Liverpool’s failure to land Xabi Alonso may not be the missed opportunity many supporters believe it to be, according to football expert Kevin Hatchard.

Hatchard has pushed back on the narrative that Liverpool simply acted too slowly, arguing that Alonso may never have been the ideal stylistic match for the club.

Liverpool are searching for a new head coach following Arne Slot’s departure after a difficult second season at the club.

Slot had delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title in his first campaign before his exit, and the club now faces an important decision on his successor.

Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate, with Sky Sports describing him as the frontrunner and an exciting option, despite the appointment carrying some risk.

The argument for Iraola centres heavily on stylistic fit, with Liverpool supporters often expressing a desire to recapture the energy and intensity of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Hatchard believes Iraola is much closer to Klopp’s “vollgas” football profile than Alonso, whose teams are considered intelligent, controlled and tactically polished rather than aggressive and high-speed.

While Alonso’s qualities are not in question, the feeling within Liverpool appears to be that pressing intensity, speed and constant forward momentum are the priorities for the next appointment.

Oliver Kay has suggested it was made clear to him in March that Alonso would not have been the preferred option, even if Liverpool had been actively searching for a new coach at that time.

Kay also noted that Liverpool could have spoken to Alonso before he took the Chelsea job if the club had genuinely wanted to pursue him, making their direction look more intentional than desperate.

Iraola brings considerable Premier League experience after an impressive spell at Bournemouth, which ended with his recent departure from the south coast club.

He already has an established working relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, the pair having worked together during their time at Bournemouth.

That existing connection could prove a significant factor in smoothing any potential appointment and accelerating Liverpool’s search for their next head coach.

Liverpool choosing Iraola over Alonso would reflect a clear-eyed decision to prioritise style and identity over the romance of a reunion with a club legend.

Alonso remains a Liverpool icon and a highly respected coach, but the evidence suggests the club has made a deliberate and considered choice in looking elsewhere.

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