Former Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso comments on talk of Man City role

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied claims he could be replacing Mikel Arteta as Manchester City’s assistant manager.

Arteta has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, for whom he made 150 appearances as a player, after Unai Emery was sacked as Gunners boss almost three weeks ago.

The Spaniard’s move back to North London now looks to be a matter of when not if after it was confirmed that he is in talks with his former club in regard to taking charge at The Emirates.

And with City on the look out for a new right-hand man for Pep Guardiola, it had been suggested that the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Alonso could be the man to replace his compatriot.

However, the 38-year-old, who is currently in his first season in charge of Real Sociedad B, has moved quickly to refute the links.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, relayed in the Manchester Evening News, Alonso said: “I’m at ease here, my head is only here, I have no other thoughts. No proposal has come to me and I am where I want to be. I’m very happy.

“After finishing my career as a player, being able to start another one and return to San Sebastian, to my club, seeing how things are being done, is a pleasure.

 

“Things are going well. I’m just starting, I’m enjoying it and it’s serving me well. When the club and I decided to work here, everything made sense. Over time you reaffirm that it was a good decision.

“I have fitted in with the players since arriving and I am working to acquire knowledge, experiences, getting it right, making mistakes, correcting and then gradually finding the way.”