I appreciate that nobody, myself included, wants to think about anyone else stepping in to replace the living, breathing giant that is Jurgen Klopp.
But discussion of alternatives is inevitable.Inevitably, Xabi Alonso’s name often comes up in such discussions, with the former Manchester United player telling talkSPORT at the start of 2018 that he had “dreamed” of joining Liverpool.
“Yes, I had a dream. “I have to prove myself first and prepare myself,” he said. “Wherever I decide to take my chances as a manager, my connections, loyalty and passion will be with Liverpool.
“Why not? Let’s see if our paths cross.”Could the Bayer Leverkusen manager step down from his current role this summer and take on a huge role at Anfield?Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there is no formal agreement to allow Alonso to leave at the end of the season, but that a gentleman’s agreement between himself and the board allows for such flexibility.
“There is nothing official about the activation of another club. We are told that this is just an agreement between Alonso and the management of Leverkusen,” a Guardian reporter previously told CaughtOffside.“Alonso was shortlisted by several clubs this summer but Leverkusen said they would stay but allow him to move to a top club in the future.
“The final decision will be made by Alonso and he will make it in the summer. But because there is no general release clause, it is more important to convince Alonso than to pay the official release clause to Leverkusen.”Needless to say, our former midfielder is not the only option to take over one of the biggest jobs in world football.
They have a mixed group of top managers, including Roberto De Zerbi and Ange Postecoglou, and the club’s data department combs through them all with the finest comb. Anyone entering the ring is bound to go through an initial crisis. Given the caliber of the man currently in the hot seat, this is an undeniable fact.At least you have options if you decide Alonso is best for the job.
