XABI ALONSO has completed a rapid U-turn and signed a new deal as Real Sociedad B boss.
The former Spain midfielder, 39, was expected to quit the club and take over at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Talks were held with the Bundesliga outfit to become the new first-team head coach as Marco Rose prepares to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
But the Spanish side confirmed the ex-Liverpool man penned a contract extension for another 12 months until 2022.
Sociedad took to Twitter to confirm the announcement.
Alonso said: “I want to continue growing with this project.”
He added he has ‘more goals and ambitions this season’ and wants his top-of-the-table team to challenge themselves.
Alonso started his professional playing career with Real Sociedad before an illustrious career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, retiring in 2017.
He made 701 club appearances – winning 14 trophies including the FA Cup, two Champions Leagues, LaLiga and three Bundesligas.
Alonso earned 114 international caps between 2003 and 2014 and was a key member of the Spanish side that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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The Basque-born star then helped Real Madrid Under-14s to the league title after taking over in 2018 and completing his coaching badges.
Then in 2019, he headed back to Sociedad as B team boss.
Last season his side finished fifth, just outside of the play-offs, but are top of their Segunda Division B this term with the best goal difference.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
