Departing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has teased Xabi Alonso as his next possible replacement at Liverpool as manager, MySportDab reports.
Klopp struck a bolt from the moon in January when he announced his decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss said he is running out of energy to continue at the reins as Reds boss and needed a break from the dugout.
Since Klopp’s announcement of hIs imminent exit, some high-profile managers have been linked to the Liverpool job with Xabi Alonso among standout candidates to replace the German gaffer.
Speaking on Xabi Alonso’s impressive trail at Bayern Leverkusen dugout, Jurgen hailed Alonso for an incredible performance with the Bundesliga outfit despite the short time he has joined the team as manager.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,’ acknowledged Klopp, who leaves at the end of the season.
”The ‘dinosaurs’ like Ancelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola and myself will not do it for 20 more years but the next generation is already there. I would say Xabi is stand-out in that department.
“He was a world-class player, like a coach already, and the team he has set up is exceptional. Not only the points tally but the way they play,” Klopp said.
While Jurgen Klopp did not recommend Xabi Alonso for the soon-to-be-vacant dugout at Anfield, his teaser on the Spaniard could serve as a yardstick for Liverpool on their next pick as manager.
Sources close to the club reveal Liverpool have been on the hunt for a successor for Jurgen Klopp long before he announced his decision to quit at the end of the season with Xabi Alonso among prime targets for the job. German outlets says Alonso was reportedly contacted for the job but the Spaniard has contract with Bayer Leverkusen till 2026.
Sentimentally, Xabi Alonso’s return to Liverpool as manager could be the ideal fairytale for Liverpool fans, who would like to welcome their former player back to the club as manager.
Xabi Alonso played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, making 143 Premier League appearances, and scoring 15 goals.
Alonso was part of the legendary 2005 Liverpool squad that won the Champions League.
He has been spotlighted on European football map following his standout campaign with Bayer Leverkusen since he took over the club as manager last season.
