Liverpool forced to axe Klopp succession plan as Real Madrid 'choose' next boss

25 September 2023 , 23:00

938     0

Xabi Alonso is currently boss at Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid have ‘chosen’ Xabi Alonso as their new boss with Carlo Ancelotti set to depart the Spanish giants at the end of the season for the Brazil national team job.

Alonso has started to garner a reputation as one of the most exciting managerial prospects in Europe following his impressive work in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen – where he was appointed a year ago. It comes after the former central midfielder impressed as coach of Real Sociedad’s B side.

There have been suggestions that the 41-year-old could be the long-term successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Despite the German coach having a deal through to 2026 and not considering leaving the Reds any time soon, Klopp has suggested he would quit his role if disappointing campaigns like last season became a regular occurrence.

Alonso’s appointment at Bayer was the Basque’s first job in a major role and unsurprisingly it drew a reaction from his former club Liverpool – illustrating the respect at Anfield for their former star. The Reds tweeted after the news was confirmed in October last year: "All the best in your new role, @XabiAlonso."

Alonso impressed in his first season in Leverkusen, inheriting a side near the foot of the table and recording a sixth-placed finish in the Bundesliga. The former midfielder also guided the club to the last four of the Europa League, where they were edged out by Roma, and he penned a new contract through to 2026 in the summer.

Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected

Bayer have also made a flying start to this season, winning five of their six matches across all competitions; the only game which they failed to win was an away match at Bayern Munich, where they secured a last-gasp draw to ensure they remain tied at the top of the standings with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

A report in Radio Marca has outlined how Alonso has been ‘chosen’ by chiefs at Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti at the end of the campaign. It is widely expected that the Italian’s tenure in the Spanish capital will conclude then as he would then switch to the Brazil national role.

Have Your Say! Which coach would be the best long-term replacement for Klopp at Liverpool? Tell us what you think here.

Alonso has hugely impressed in his first year in charge at Bayer Leverkusen (AFP via Getty Images)

Former central midfielder Alonso spent five years at Anfield between 2004 and 2009, making 210 senior appearances and scoring 19 first-team goals. He helped the club to their memorable Champions League title in his first season at the club alongside the FA Cup success the following campaign.

Having initially starred at Real Sociedad before his switch to English football, Alonso went on to spend five years at Real Madrid before winning the title in each of his three seasons at Bayern Munich, where he hung up his boots, in 2017.

Alonso began his coaching career in 2018 – one year after confirming his retirement – where he assumed a role coaching the Real Madrid U14s. He completed a UEFA Elite coaching course, allowing him to assume the hotseat at Real Sociedad’s B team.

Colin Millar