It was there for all to see, but now it seems as if it may just come to life. Recent reports state that Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso was contacted by Liverpool in November of 2023, in an inquiry regarding taking over the departing boss Jurgen Klopp’s role in Anfield at the end of the season.
In an emotional video message to the team’s supporters last month, Klopp said that he was “running out of energy” and that he would be leaving his position as manager at the end of the season.
The news of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the current season left the whole footballing world in disbelief. But in the midst of it all, the pressing question arose: who will replace the German?
Many names arose: Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, the young German Julian Nagelsmann, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and even Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou perhaps. But one name reverberated the loudest in football fans minds all along once the news of Klopp’s departure broke: Xabi Alonso.
Well, a report from Foot Mercato states that the search for Klopp’s replacement began months ago, back in November itself, and Alonso was the first name to be contacted regarding taking over the helm at Anfield.
The report was then also followed up by news from Florian Plattenberg of Sky Germany who reproted that even Bayer Leverkusen were aware of Liverpool seeking out Alonso’s services.
But, why is the Spaniard being sought after so vehemently? Well, for starters, it is the history he shares with the Reds.
Alonso has a rich history with Livepool. The now-retired Spanish midfield maestro played for Liverpool from 2004-2009. During that time he made 143 league appearances and scored 14 goals, before finally departing or £32.5 million in 2009 for none other than Los Blancos Real Madrid.
But, it isn’t merely his playing career that touts him as a possible replacement. Alonso has also been proving his mettle as a transformative manager himself.
Leverkusen are the only club in Europe this season to still remain undefeated across all competitions, having played 30 games out of which they clinched 26 wins and 4 draws. They currently are in contention across all competitions they are a part of and top the Bundesliga table currently over legacy winners Bayern Munich.
Another factor that makes Alonso a highly sought-after prospect is the rather uncanny similarities he shares in terms of footballing philosophy with Jurgen Klopp.
Say what you may, but Liverpool’s resurgence in the top tier of football over the past decade or so since Klopp took control has been undeniably historic. And a huge part of the rebuild has had to do with building not merely a ‘superteam’ similar to the likes of a Real Madrid or a Manchester City, yet in creating a culture that transcends the monetary aspects of the game.
Alonso’s managerial style also mimics that of Klopp to a good extent. Unlike the carefree spenders such as Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, both teams he has represented in his career, Alonso has been one to place emphasis on building a culture and developing hidden gems into diamonds of players. Take for instance: Grimaldo, Victor Boniface, Florian Wirtz. All are players who have transcended their usual expectations to become elite footballers.
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.
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