Xabi Alonso turns down Olympique Marseille managerial offer

Xabi Alonso has rejected an approach from Olympique de Marseille to become their new manager, according to RMC Sport.

Marseille are currently reeling from the departures of manager Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Medhi Benatia.

The pursuit of Alonso was a high-stakes move by Marseille owner Frank McCourt to stabilise a project that has rapidly unravelled in recent weeks.

However, the Spanish manager was not convinced by the conditions offered at the Orange Velodrome.

Key concerns reportedly included the club’s uncertain governance, with McCourt currently seeking a new club president to replace Pablo Longoria, and the overall lack of a cohesive long-term sporting strategy.

Following a crushing 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain and a premature Champions League exit, the atmosphere in Marseille has turned hostile, with supporters recently displaying protest banners.

Unsurprisingly, the fractured environment at Marseille represented too great a risk for Alonso, who remains without a job but is highly sought after following his departure from Real Madrid in January.

Despite winning 24 of his 34 matches, his time in Madrid was marred by clashes with a star-studded dressing room.

His reputation remains untarnished as he remains on the radar of several big clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City, who are rumoured to be monitoring his availability for the summer.

With Alonso officially out of the running, Marseille are moving swiftly to conclude a deal for Habib Beye.

Beye recently left Stade Rennais but is now set for a return to Ligue 1.