Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has been heavily linked with the Liverpool job as the Premier League heavyweights prepare for Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season.
The Reds will be on the hunt for a new manager in the summer, following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that the ongoing 2023/24 season will be his final at Anfield. With Klopp deciding to leave, there have been murmurs about who would replace the German tactician before the 2024/25 campaign commences.
Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Xabi Alonso, though, the Spaniard insists his sole focus is on Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso, 42, is one of the most sought-after managers in Europe at this moment in time amid the fantastic work he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen. His side sit at the summit of the Bundesliga after 20 games, having gone unbeaten in the campaign so far and opened up a narrow two-point lead on defending champions Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield?
When Xabi Alonso was appointed by Leverkusen in October last season, the job was to maintain the club’s Bundesliga status and not win it. But here we are, beyond the halfway stage of the 2023/24 season, with Alonso’s Leverkusen gunning for the league title.
Leverkusen’s performances and results have been extraordinary. They remain unbeaten in all competitions this season—the only team in Europe, where they have made it to the Europa League round of 32 and are waiting to discover their opponents. Alonso’s men could also complete a historic treble as they have advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup too.
Earlier this week, Liverpool were given a boost as it emerged that Leverkusen are already planning for life without Alonso, having set their sights on former Real Madrid and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui. Alonso has a clause in his Leverkusen contract that entitles him to speak to his former clubs, which has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Before that, the 42-year-old has a great chance to make history with Leverkusen—a club that hasn’t won the Bundesliga title before. It is the opportunity to break Bayern Munich’s decade-long dominance in Germany. Even if big things are waiting for Alonso in the future, these could still be the crucial months of his coaching career.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
