The latest on Liverpool’s search for a new manager as Xabi Alonso responds to speculation over his future, while another candidate looks to have entered contract talks.
Speculation over Xabi Alonso’s future has gone into overdrive this week, with two teams now seemingly trying to secure his services. The former midfielder remains the favorite to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool when the German leaves in the summer.
The Reds though could face major competition for his appointment. Bayern Munich now also looks to be in the running after confirming that Thomas Tuchel will step down as manager at the end of the season.
Alonso’s Leverkusen is of course leading Bayern in the race for the Bundesliga title, having opened up an eight-point gap (which could become 11 points later today against Mainz) as their unbeaten record continues this season. That form has led to him becoming the most-wanted man in world football right now.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, both Liverpool and Bayern have made contact with Alonso’s representatives. The Spaniard is claimed to be the latter’s desired option to replace Tuchel.
The man himself has now responded to questions over his future, and the links to Liverpool and Bayern. Alonso, though, wasn’t prepared to give anything away when quizzed ahead of Leverkusen’s game against Mainz.
“Right now I am Bayer Leverkusen coach and that’s certain,” he replied (as per the Mirror). “Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say.” When asked whether he or his agent had received a call from Bayern, Alonso added: “That’s only hypothetical. Again — I have nothing new to say.”
Bayern’s pursuit of Alonso might not be the only blow Liverpool has suffered in its search for a new manager. According to TalkSport, Roberto De Zerbi is in talks over extending his contract at Brighton.
The Italian is also among the favorites to succeed Klopp at Anfield, having impressed during his time in charge of Brighton. De Zerbi could also be of interest to Barcelona, with suggestions that he’s on the Catalan club’s shortlist to replace Xavi at the end of the season.
Brighton though is said to have received no contact from any clubs, and De Zerbi has not given any indication he wants to leave. According to the Mirror, the Italian has a $10.8m (£8.5m/€10m) release clause written into his contract, with the Seagulls confident they can ward off any interest.
It is unfortunate for Liverpool that it happens to be looking for a new manager at the same time as Bayern. That presents a huge obstacle in the pursuit of Alonso.
But Liverpool should feel confident that it can offer a better package to Alonso — the Reds are very much a team on the rise, whereas Bayern looks as though it could need some surgery on its squad in the summer. FSG though may have to act quickly in order to prevent the German giant from stepping in and stealing the Spaniard away.
As for De Zerbi, he’s in a pretty comfortable position right now. He’s at a great club in Brighton, and should he not land a new job this summer, you’d put good money on him landing one soon after. Alonso should still be the priority for Liverpool, but De Zerbi could be a decent alternative. Signing a new contract now when there are so many big job going would be an odd move.
