Borussia Monchengladbach chief Max Eberl says they were in contact with Xabi Alonso.
Xabi was being linked with Marco Rose's job at Gladbach before committing to a two-year deal with Real Sociedad B.
Eberl said, “We had a conversation and got to know each other.
"That was incredibly interesting. He's been one of the greatest players of the last period and has had incredible success.
"When such big names start coaching careers, it is very good for football."
