Liverpool now have favoured managerial target as club move on quickly from Xabi Alonso

So much for a Good Friday. At least that's how those who were fully on board the Xabi Alonso bandwagon will have felt given the news the Spaniard will almost certainly not become the next Liverpool manager.

For many Reds supporters, Alonso was both the romantic and sensible choice. His successful five-year spell as a player means there would have been little problem in having fans onside, while his outstanding record in an admittedly brief time in charge at Bayer Leverkusen would have placed him high on the Anfield wishlist regardless of any previous links with the club.

But, barring an unexpected volte face from the Spaniard, any move to Liverpool will have to be in the future, shattering the dreams of those who couldn't see beyond the former midfielder making a return to his old stomping ground.

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In some ways, Alonso's decision to remain at Leverkusen should be applauded. It shows not only a willingness to stay loyal to a job he clearly believes is only just truly getting started, but also that he won't be swayed by bigger clubs merely fluttering their eyelashes at him.

Such patience and obvious confidence in his own ability to attract better roles later in his career will benefit both Alonso and his present club which, who knows, could one day be Liverpool.

Of course, there will be those who think Alonso can't take Leverkusen any further, particularly if they win the domestic double this season, and would be better served testing himself at a more elite club. However, the challenge of further cutting his managerial teeth in the Champions