Since Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to step down from his role as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, the rumour mill has been buzzing with anticipation surrounding his potential successor.
Several names have been linked with the Liverpool job that has become highly coveted largely thanks to Klopp’s enormous success at Anfield since taking the reins in October 2015.
However, none have been repeated as strongly as ex-Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso, whose remarkable job at Bayer Leverkusen catapults him to the top of the Reds’ shortlist.
The Bundesliga pacesetters recently dismantled Bayern Munich to cement their place at the summit, opening up a five-point lead over the defending champions.
Alonso’s Leverkusen are still unbeaten after 31 games across all competitions (W27, D4), scoring an outstanding 93 goals while shipping in just 22 at the other end.
Die Werkself are on course to end Bayern’s decade-long reign of terror on the German top flight, having claimed the Bundesliga title ten times in a row.
At this stage of the season, the title is Leverkusen’s to lose and Alonso’s emergence couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for Liverpool, who may not have to scratch their heads for too long in search of Klopp’s replacement.
Liverpool legend and Alonso’s former teammate Jamie Carragher has been one of the major voices championing the Spanish tactician’s return to Anfield.
Carragher believes Alonso possesses the credentials to take over the managerial reins from Klopp despite their differing tactical approaches.
While both Klopp and Alonso share a love for attacking football, their tactical blueprints differ markedly, as explained by Carragher in his Sky Sports analysis.
However, the football expert emphasises that Alonso’s adaptability would allow him to incorporate aspects of Klopp’s system, ensuring continuity and maintaining Liverpool’s dominance in England and Europe.
Klopp and Liverpool are still very much in the thick of the action this season, competing for every silverware available and could land a first when they take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Departing the club with major trophies in the bag would undoubtedly be on Klopp’s to-do list but could also provide a smooth transition should Alonso eventually land the job next season.
