Xabi Alonso renews at Real Sociedad despite speculation over ‘Gladbach manager role

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Xabi Alonso has signed a new contract to remain head coach of the Real Sociedad B team, despite speculation linking him with a first senior manager role.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man took over two years ago at La Real’s second string - where his playing career started - and had been reported in the German media to be the choice of Borussia Monchengladbach to replace Marco Rose, who is heading to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

However, a strong season with the B team has convinced Alonso to sign a new one-year deal to stay in place for 2021/22.

In a short statement on the club website, the World Cup winner said he “wanted to keep growing in the project” and that he holds “more objectives and ambitions for this season”.

Real Sociedad B are currently top of their group in the Segunda B, the regionalised third tier of the game in Spain.

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In the Bundesliga, ‘Gladbach have dropped down to 10th place after a dismal recent run of form, leaving them nine points off the Champions League spots.

Alonso came through the Real Sociedad academy system and played well over 100 games for the first team, before his move to Liverpool under Rafa Benitez in 2004.

After wrapping up his playing days at Bayern Munich, Alonso, now 39, took his first steps in coaching with the Real Madrid U14 side, spending a year at La Fabrica before moving to Real Sociedad B, where he will now be in charge for a third season.