Liverpool potential to secure Xabi Alonso as their next manager from Bayer Leverkusen reflects Jurgen Klopp’s high praise for Alonso, acknowledging him as a standout among the new generation of coaches.
Xabi Alonso has been drawing heightened interest from Liverpool fans in light of recent developments.
However, it seems the Reds may not be the sole suitors for the former midfielder.
Bayer Leverkusen currently holds a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, and they are just one game away from matching Bayern Munich‘s historic record of 32 games unbeaten in all competitions.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” Klopp told media at a news conference Friday.
“That’s completely independent [of reports linking Alonso to Liverpool].
If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone: ‘Oh my God.’
“The dinosaurs, if you want — [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, maybe me — we will not do it for the next 20 years.
OK, maybe Mourinho will. The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is standout in that department.”
Alonso, who won a Champions League and FA Cup during his time at Liverpool, is in his first senior managerial job having taken charge at Leverkusen in October 2022.
“Former world-class player, from a coaching family as well which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing,” Klopp added.
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“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional.
I played a long time in the Bundesliga and it is super impressive. Not only the points tally but the way they play.
“Leverkusen has a very good chance to win the cup. When you look through the Europa League, Leverkusen is one of the favourites there as well so it could be the season for Leverkusen. Really crazy.”
When asked about the possibility of becoming Liverpool manager in the wake of Klopp’s announcement in January,
Alonso stressed he was focused on Leverkusen but added that “what will happen [in the future], I don’t know.”
Alonso led Leverkusen, which has never won a Bundesliga title, to a 3-0 win over champions Bayern last weekend.
And they can now match the Bavarians’ unbeaten record when they visit Heidenheim on Saturday.
“If we do it, I’ll be very happy, but it’s not a thought for me right now,” Alonso said at a news conference Friday.
“My thoughts are on Heidenheim and preparing. It’s a consequence of the top season we’ve had so far, but it’s not a concern or a thought for me.”
Liverpool is pursuing four trophies this season, with the opportunity to claim the first one next weekend in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Alongside their cup ambitions, they are focused on retaining their top spot in the Premier League standings.
