Xabi Alonso, head coach of Bayer Levekusen, who are on top of the Bundesliga table currently. (Credit: AFP)
When asked about the possibility of taking over the reigns at Anfield in a press conference today, Alonso remained coy and reinstated his commitment to Leverkusen.
The news of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the current season left the whole footballing world in disbelief. But in the midst of it all, the pressing question arose: who will replace the German?
Whoever steps in will have the unenviable task of trying to keep the Reds in the hunt for major honours, with Klopp having been a transformative presence since he was hired at Anfield back in 2015, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during an incredible decade of success for the club.
1 – Jürgen Klopp has the highest win rate of any manager in Liverpool’s history in all competitions (60.7%, 50+ games), while he is the only Liverpool manager to win each of the top-flight, European Cup/Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup with the Reds. Boss. pic.twitter.com/gddqUpEvTM— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 26, 2024
Well, one interesting name that seems to have caught the attention of all is none other than ex-Liverpool man and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso.
When asked about the same in a press conference today, Alonso remained coy and reinstated his commitment to Leverkusen.
Following the shock announcement of Klopp’s summer exit, the 42-year-old said: “First of all, it [Klopp’s announcement] was a surprise. But I have great respect for Jurgen, huge admiration… What he has achieved and the way he has achieved that.
Xabi Alonso on Liverpool job: “Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen”.“I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment”.
“Big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jürgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration”. pic.twitter.com/dqVRRdZsT5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2024
“At the moment, I am really happy here. I enjoy my work here and feel that it’s given me a challenge. We are on an intense but beautiful journey here in Leverkusen and I’m trying to give my best to help my players be ready for the next thing.”
He added: “To be honest, I am not in that moment, to think about the next step. I am thinking about where I am right now. I think I am in a great place and am enjoying it. I think it’s the right place and all that I can say. What’s going to happen in the future, I don’t know. I don’t really care at the moment.”
Alonso has a rich history with Livepool. The now-retired Spanish midfield maestro played for Liverpool from 2004-2009. During that time he made 143 league appearances and scored 14 goals, before finally departing or £32.5 million in 2009 for none other than Los Blancos Real Madrid.
But, it isn’t merely his playing career that touts him as a possible replacement. Alonso has also been proving his mettle as a transformative manager himself.
Having finished sixth in his first season in charge, Alonso’s Leverkusen side have taken the Bundesliga by storm this year, are undefeated in their 18 league games so far and four points clear of Bayern Munich.
Alonso’s managerial style also mimics that of Klopp to a good extent. Unlike the carefree spenders such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, both teams he has represented in his career, Alonso has been one to place emphasis on building a culture and developing hidden gems into diamonds of players. Take for instance: Grimaldo, Victor Boniface, Florian Wirtz. All are players who have transcended their usual expectations to become elite footballers.
With his attacking brand of football as well, Alonso could fit straight into Klopp’s Liverpool squad, with his understanding of the club a bonus that could allow for a smoother transition.
