Xabi Alonso currently manages Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (Credit: X)
Amongst the likes of clubs such as Real Madrid and rivals Bayern Munich, yearning to sign the Spaniard, one club has stood out the most: none other than Xabi’s old home of five years, Liverpool.
You got to lose sometime, right? Well, Xabi Alonso says not yet.
Xabi Alonso’s men had their first real scare of losing their winning streak last week when Bayer Leverkusen went down by 2 goals in the first half to Qarabag in their UEFA Europa League knockout fixture. But, before you knew it, they did it again, coming back to score two of their own and to tie up the fixture as they head back home for the second leg.
Leverkusen are still the only undefeated club in Europe, having not incurred a single loss so far. And with the results, come the recognition, as Xabi Alonso has now become the most sought-after manager in the market right now.
Amongst the likes of clubs such as Real Madrid and rivals Bayern Munich, yearning to sign the Spaniard, one club has stood out the most: none other than Xabi’s old home of five years, Liverpool.
With news of their talisman manager Jurgen Klopp stepping down from the top spot by the end of the season, the Merseyside Reds have been desperate for a worthy replacement to take over the reigns at Anfield.
Whoever steps in will have the unenviable task of trying to keep the Reds in the hunt for major honours, with Klopp having been a transformative presence since he was hired at Anfield back in 2015, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during an incredible decade of success for the club. And right now, who other than Alonso may look like the best replacement for the club?
It seems perfect right? Well, a little too perfect for the likes on one former Liverpool man himself: Peter Crouch.
Crouch, who also played with Alonso during his time in Liverpool, remains apprehensive about signing on Xabi and stated that he is slightly worried that the young coach’s chance may come too soon – citing his lack of experience as a problem.
“I think Xabi Alonso is at the top of Liverpool’s list. He’s doing incredible things at Bayer Leverkusen, he knows Liverpool inside and out. I played with him, I know him. He is a fantastic person. He’s very hardworking, always asking questions, and you know he’s going to be a coach,” stated Crouch on TNT Sports.
“But it’s still very early and it’s a huge club. And he would have to succeed Klopp.”
Whilst, Crouch’s apprehensions are well-rooted, Alonso has also been proving his mettle as a transformative manager himself.
Having finished sixth in his first season in charge, Alonso’s Leverkusen side have taken the Bundesliga by storm this year, as they march towards a possible first Bundesliga title in their clubs history, whilst they remain 10 points clear of Bayern Munich currently with 10 games remaining.
With his attacking brand of football as well, Alonso could fit straight into Klopp’s Liverpool squad, with his understanding of the club a bonus that could allow for a smoother transition.
