Liverpool have been linked with Xabi Alonso as they look to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. Foot Mercato’s Santi Auna reports that the Reds have had their first look at Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso. They signed the former midfielder shortly after Klopp decided to leave the club.
Alonso is at the top of the list of people who want to replace the German coach. He impressed at Leverkusen, where he is currently overseeing an unbeaten season in the Bundesliga.
But the former Liverpool star insisted he is happy at the BayArena. He is hoping to end Bayern’s 11-year run in the Bundesliga and scored in yesterday’s (February 10) 3-0 win over Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich.
Alonso has also impressed the hierarchy at the Allianz Arena, who may have to decide on Tuchel’s future. His side have struggled this season and are second in the Bundesliga, five points behind Leverkusen.
Liverpool will enter a new era this summer following Klopp’s departure and the end of his nine-year reign at Anfield. His coaching staff and recruitment team are also leaving the Merseyside giants.
Alonso could make an emotional return to the club where he enjoyed great success as a player. He made 210 appearances for United over five years, winning four major trophies with the Premier League giants. Xabi Alonso’s former team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger believes he dreams of managing Liverpool.
Alonso’s former Bayern team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger has had his say on speculation linking the Spaniard with a hot seat at Anfield. Germans dream of coaching Liverpool (via TEAMtalk): “I know him and I’m sure his dream is to manage Liverpool.” “I’m sure he will leave Leverkusen in the summer.”
The announcement that Klopp is leaving the Merseysiders has shocked the footballing world. This follows a fantastic season in which his side topped the Premier League.
However, Alonso was immediately seen as a front-runner to replace Klopp given his Anfield links. He introduced a very exciting brand of football to Leverkusen and achieved 44 wins in 68 games for the Bundesliga club. Die Werkself may have found its successor.
Reports from Spain suggest (via the source above) that Julen Lopetegui will join. The former Madrid manager has been out of a job since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
