Liverpool will be in the market for a new manager this summer as Jurgen Klopp is set to depart, with Xabi Alonso emerging as the leading candidate.
The Reds are reportedly preparing to make an offer to their former midfielder, who is said to prefer a move to Anfield over staying in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich are also interested in Alonso, who has impressed with his work at Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.
Bayern’s recent struggles, including a loss to Lazio in the Champions League, have increased speculation about their managerial situation, with Thomas Tuchel under pressure.
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Jurgen Klopp has praised Alonso as the standout among the next generation of managers, highlighting his success at Leverkusen, where they are unbeaten in 31 games this season.
Bayern Munich’s interest adds to the intrigue, especially since Alonso ended his playing career with the Bavarian giants.
Jurgen Klopp Hails Xabi Alonso as next Anfield boss
Speaking on Friday, Klopp was effusive in his praise for the 42-year-old manager. “Xabi is doing an incredible job,” he said.
“[Even] if there would not be the rumours around, 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, [but] the next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is the standout in that department”.
“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it was absolutely exceptional”.
He noted that the last manager to prevent Bayern from winning the Bundesliga was himself, with Borussia Dortmund in the 2011-12 season.
However, Klopp acknowledged that Leverkusen is now the strong favorite to break Bayern’s dominance, expressing admiration for the way Alonso’s team has performed this season.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” he added.
“[Even] if there would not be the rumours around, 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, [but] the next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is the standout in that department”.
“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it was absolutely exceptional”.
Xabi Alonso had an illustrious career, winning several major trophies with both club and country. As he aims to secure the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen, he will be focused on maintaining their lead over Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen’s next match against Heidenheim will be crucial in their pursuit of the championship.
