According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is “considering” Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Since it was announced last Friday that the 56-year-old will be leaving at the end of the season, there has been a lot of discussion about who will replace him at Anfield, and the former Reds midfielder seems to be the early choice for the position.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian reporter emphasised that nothing “concrete” has happened in that sense, but he gave further weight to the idea that the Bayer Leverkusen CEO will take the helm on Merseyside.
“They need a total rebuild,” stated Romano. There will be numerous changes at Liverpool, including the need for a new member of the board, a new manager, and new employees.
“Xabi Alonso is definitely a candidate they are considering, based on what I’m hearing. As of right now, no firm discussions exist, therefore it’s too soon to declare whether Xabi Alonso will take over as Liverpool’s manager. However, he is undoubtedly a contender.
Alonso was arguably already one of the front-runners to succeed Klopp in the eyes of most Liverpool supporters, but it gains further weight after hearing the always-dependable Romano name the 42-year-old as a contender.
Not only are his Leverkusen team leading the Bundesliga and posing a danger to Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance over the title, but they have also won 79% of their league games, are undefeated after 19 games, and have only dropped eight points so far this season (Transfermarkt).
He has established himself as a manager who is tactfully adaptable, meticulous and hands-on in his coaching, friendly with players, and endowed with a natural authority (BBC Sport).
All of those qualities make him the perfect person to take on the difficult task of replacing Klopp at Liverpool, and that’s before we even discuss the extra support he would have from the supporters after an incredible five years as a player at Anfield.
The Spaniard is one of the top candidates for manager, and with good reason. However, it may take some time before Reds executives take official action to try to get him back to Merseyside.
