EX-LIVERPOOL and Chelsea ace Glen Johnson claims Xabi Alonso was right to take over at Stamford Bridge rather than Anfield.
Johnson, 41, spent four years with the Blues as former owner Roman Abramovich’s first ever signing in 2003 before his move to the Reds where he underwent a six-year stint until 2015.
Xabi Alonso was right to take over at Chelsea rather than Liverpool Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Former Chelsea and Liverpool ace Glen Johnson praised Alonso’s decision Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The former England international signed with the Merseysiders in 2009, which was the same year Alonso, 44, left the Kop for Real Madrid after a glittering five-year spell.
Many expected the Spanish tactician to return to Liverpool as manager this summer when former boss Arne Slot looked set to exit.
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That was after the former midfielder turned down the chance to replace Jurgen Klopp in 2024 as he opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen after leading them to an undefeated maiden Bundesliga title and domestic Double.
But Alonso ended up going to Chelsea before Slot’s departure from Liverpool, despite a chaotic 2025/26 campaign that included three managerial changes and a tenth-placed finish in the Premier League.
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And the ex-Real manager wasn’t daunted about becoming the club’s fifth permanent hire since BlueCo took over in 2022 from Abramovich.
Chelsea, however, appointed him as manager, which means the ex-Leverkusen boss gets a huge say in the team’s direction, structure and transfers.
Liverpool, on the other hand, were looking for a head coach to replace Slot before Andoni Iraola’s arrival, which means Alonso would have had far less influence at Anfield.
And Johnson is adamant the Spain legend made the right call as there will be far less pressure to deal with at Chelsea.
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The former full-back believes he would be facing significantly higher demands to deliver at Liverpool due to his legendary status, just like he did at Real which led to a sorry eight-month stint.
Johnson told JattvibeSport on behalf of SeatPin: “I’m not surprised so many people think he should have been Liverpool manager.
“He’s a Liverpool legend and one of the best midfielders to ever wear a Liverpool shirt, but that doesn’t mean he should manage them.
“The extra pressure of being a club legend from your playing days when you manage there adds extra pressure.
“I think it’s easier for him to be Chelsea manager rather than Liverpool manager. Alonso won’t want to tarnish his reputation with Liverpool fans if it doesn’t work out for him managing there, as he did at Real Madrid.
Johnson was also surprised Morgan Rogers opted for Chelsea rather than Arsenal Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“He’s still a young manager, so I think avoiding Liverpool for now is sensible for him.
“Chelsea is a fantastic football club that has already backed him in the transfer market, and as long as the team performs, his job will be safe.”
Johnson was also “perplexed” by another Chelsea addition as he found it “strange” that Morgan Rogers snubbed Premier League champions Arsenal for a British record £117million move to Stamford Bridge.
The ex-West Ham ace insists this was a very successful signing for the Blues but admitted his former club may have “overpaid”.
Johnson added: “I think it was a strange decision by Morgan Rogers to sign for Chelsea over Arsenal.
“I’m not sure why Rogers chose Chelsea over the reigning champions who are likely to compete for the title next season. Arsenal’s loss is Chelsea’s gain, though.
“The fee was a lot of money, and I’m not sure his talent has yet justified that type of money. He’s obviously a great player, and he is still young with plenty of time to develop into a player worth that much money.
“I hope he proves me wrong, but I think Chelsea overpaid for Rogers and I’m perplexed as to why he chose Chelsea over Arsenal.”
