Xabi Alonso is rumored to be the top candidate for the Liverpool coaching job following the announcement of Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season.
The Spaniard is doing wonders in his second season of coaching Bayer Leverkusen, taking the Die Werkself to the top of the Bundesliga table. The club remains undefeated through 18 games, four points above the Bavarian heavyweights.
Is Alonso the heir to Klopp's Liverpool throne?
Alonso's contract in Germany expires at the end of 2026. It's unlikely he'll see it out. The former Sociedad B is one the most wanted bosses in football, having been linked with vacancies at Real Madrid and Tottenham last season.
But when asked about taking over Klopp's position in Liverpool, the former Red legend remains tight-lipped. “What's going to happen in the future I don't know,” he told Sky Sports.
Alonso ticks off all the boxes for Liverpool. Like Klopp, he's on his way to defeating Bayern Munich to a league title. The German boss was the last coach to accomplish that feat in the 2011-12 season.
“I have dreamt of it. But first, I have to prove myself,” Xavi said on becoming Liverpool's manager in 2018. Most Liverpool fans are more than willing to risk Alonso as the Reds' next coach. After all, the midfield maestro scored the equalizer in the Champions League final, leading to “The Miracle of Istanbul.”
Of course, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard also participated in that game as captain, leading the Reds to an improbable comeback.
After his initial success at Rangers in Scotland, Gerrard appeared to be the lock-in candidate to replace Klopp. But Gerrard struggled in his following coaching stint at Aston Villa and is currently trying to repair his image at the helm of Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
After five years at Anfield, the return of 42-year-old Alonso seems more probable than ever. Can he help finish with Klopp started, a rejuvenated Liverpool that earned the Premier League title and Champions League glory?
Alonso's intelligent footballing IQ and tactical style — a combination of Klopp's iconic gegenpressing and Pep's passing — already has Reds fans dreaming. Now, just imagine Alonso and Alexander-Arnold lacing passes to each other in practice.
Photo: Instagram/xabiaalonso
