Media reports in England reveal that Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is ready to succeed the outgoing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield Stadium. Klopp announced he was leaving Liverpool late last year and according to the Daily Mail, it seems Alonso is ready to lead the Reds. The daily publication reports that the former Liverpool midfielder’s progress in the German Bundesliga is a sign he wants the job.
Sport beIN presenter, Richard Keys claims Alonso has decided to replace Klopp at Liverpool. At the same time, reports in Germany indicate that Alonso would prefer to stay in the Bundesliga but Liverpool has had little indication to lower their expectations.
Alonso: Will Alonso Replace Jurgen Klopp?
While the Leverkusen manager also faces a possible move to Bayern Munich, it appears that both Liverpool and Munich want him. Per the report, Liverpool wants a young manager who can grow at the club, and also someone who plays attacking football and has a strong personality.
“As I always say when I share news like this — these big deals can always go wrong. There’s a lot to go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or coach/manager involved, but my information is that Alonso has decided on Liverpool,” said Keys.
“If I’m a Liverpool fan – that excites me.”
Judging the log table in the Bundesliga, Bayern are 10 points behind Alonso’s Leverkusen side, who are yet to suffer a defeat this season. In his playing days, Alonso featured for both Liverpool and Bayern and the temptation to return to the English Premier League is obvious, though he could even opt to lead Leverkusen in the Champions League.
ALONSO: LEVERKUSEN KEEPER ON LOSING MANAGER TO LIVERPOOL
Speaking about Alonso’s departure from Germany, Leverkusen netminder Lukas Hradecky, who has made 25 league appearances for Alonso’s men this term, is braced for Alonso’s departure. “That’s our wish and dream, for him to stay, but no one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route,” said Hradecky.
“We see on a daily basis that he loves to be in Leverkusen. He enjoys Dusseldorf where he lives. From another point of view: How can you make it better than this season? There’s a lot to ponder but he’s enough of a gentleman to make the right decision and only he knows what’s best for him. But the atmosphere he’s brought in Leverkusen, we didn’t have it before. I think it comes from the way he has experienced football.”
“In Madrid, Liverpool – that’s the level we strive for every day. It was here when he came but it’s up here right now. The hype is definitely justified. It’s the best Leverkusen team I’ve experienced. We have 18, 19, 20 players – and it doesn’t matter who plays. There are a lot of different tactics. There’s a lot to take in from the opponents’ perspective. It’s hellishly difficult to play against us.”
Additionally, reports and speculation are rife that the former UEFA Champions League winners, Liverpool have already started to engage possible replacements for Klopp.
Related: Benni McCarthy To Snub Kaizer Chiefs Amid Uncertain Future