Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is among the names shortlisted as potential replacements for the outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp. The German sent shockwaves last month when he revealed that he’s going to leave Anfield at the end of the ongoing 2023-24 season after nine years at the helm.
Since then, Liverpool have been linked with a host of managers, including Jurgen Klopp replacement Alonso, their former midfielder who is currently whipping up a storm in the German Bundesliga with Leverkusen. Die Werkself are currently leading the title charge with 55 points from 21 games, five ahead of holders Bayern Munich, whom they blanked 3-0 in a dominant display on Saturday.
Results like that are further driving reports of his move to Liverpool next season, although Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes said he’s confident the Spaniard will stay at the club beyond the current campaign. Speaking to SPORT1, he said:
“One [reason] is the contract. The other thing is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club. “He also has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there’s no change in the team. We will definitely have a top team available next year. These are all points that – in addition to contracts – coaches like Xabi, but also players who [attract] interest, often stay with us.”
Xabi Alonso Liverpool has built a stellar managerial profile in less than 18 months since taking over the helm of Leverkusen. Languishing in 18th place when he arrived in October 2022, the Spaniard led them to a sixth-place finish to help secure Europa League football. This season, he’s taken the side up a few more notches, as the Black and Reds are on their way towards lifting their first ever Bundesliga title.
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Adding the Meisterschale to his CV would solidify his managerial credentials, and could prompt Liverpool to go above and beyond to secure his signatures. The Reds are enjoying a good run this season, contending on all four fronts as Klopp aims to leave on a high. Whoever replaces him as the next manager of the side, will certainly have some big boots to fill.