Xabi Alonso has moved a step closer to winning his first major trophy as he continues to be linked with being Liverpool’s next manager.
Rumours around the future of the next man in the Anfield dugout have been swirling ever since Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. Klopp made the announcement on January 26, and there has been daily speculation as to who could be his replacement.
Alonso has been listed as the favourite ever since Klopp made the announcement more than a month ago. Alonso is currently looking to guide Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in his first full season with the club.
The former Liverpool midfielder was appointed in October 2022 and is closing in on his first trophy with the club. Sunday saw Leverkusen face FC Koln in the league match, and claim a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo.
Victory for Leverkusen moves the club to ten points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table. Bayern were held to a 2-2 draw away at Freiburg on Friday night, which has proved to be a result that sees the reigning champions lose further ground in the title race.
Both Leverkusen and Bayern have ten more league fixtures left to play this season, with a title success almost within sight for Leverkusen and Alonso. A title win would only enhance the rumours that Alonso could succeed Klopp as the next Liverpool manager.
It’s not just Liverpool that are being linked with Alonso, though. Bayern themselves will also be looking to appoint a new manager, after confirming last month that Thomas Tuchel would be departing at the end of the season.
Since that news was confirmed, reports from Germany have suggested that Alonso is the first-choice target for Bayern to replace Tuchel. Despite this, Alonso remains the favourite to succeed Klopp at Anfield with the bookmakers, while Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim is also in the running.
