Alonso spent five memorable seasons at Liverpool under Rafa Benítez, winning the Champions League in 2005 and becoming a popular figure with the supporters. His name was already linked with the job in 2024, when he was building an exceptional reputation at Bayer Leverkusen.
That background made his move to Chelsea a surprise for Petit, particularly with both clubs entering major rebuilding phases. The former France midfielder also questioned the timing of the agreement.
“I think he signed very quickly with Chelsea, so the contact must have been made months before. It is also a question of timing,” Petit said.
Alonso’s task at Stamford Bridge will be substantial. Chelsea have invested heavily in young talent, but the club still needs a clear footballing identity and greater consistency. Alonso’s success at Leverkusen showed his ability to build a structured, aggressive side, though the Premier League will bring a different level of pressure.
Liverpool’s choice of Iraola represents a different kind of appointment. The former Bournemouth manager is known for energetic football, aggressive pressing and a willingness to trust his tactical ideas.
His arrival gives Liverpool a fresh direction, but also places significant responsibility on a coach following the club’s recent upheaval. The report says there had been interest in Iraola from Chelsea, making the eventual outcome appear particularly unusual.
For Liverpool, the priority will be preserving intensity while refreshing an ageing squad and maintaining the standards established during the Jürgen Klopp era.
The contrast between Alonso’s emotional link to Liverpool and Iraola’s more unexpected path adds intrigue to both projects. The next transfer window will reveal which manager receives the stronger backing-and whether Petit’s doubts about Liverpool overlooking Alonso become a defining subplot.