26 January 2024 , 13:00
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Xabi Alonso is an obvious choice to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss.
That's according to former Reds star Jermaine Pennant, who says the Spaniard is "tearing it up" with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and already has an affinity with the Liverpool faithful.
Klopp broke Liverpool fans' hearts with his shock announcement on Friday that he is standing down as manager at the end of the season after nine successful years at the helm.
The German is quitting for personal reasons, citing his lack of energy to do the role to the best of his ability as a major factor in his decision to walk away.
Pennant believes replacing Klopp is going to be an incredibly hard task for whoever comes in and takes the reins. But the Englishman is confident Alonso has the tools to get it right.
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"My first choice for Liverpool has to be Xabi Alonso," Pennant told Lord Ping. He's ripping the league apart in Germany. Is it risky because he's so new to management? Yes, but Klopp was new to the Premier League after doing well in Germany. But the way he has Bayer Leverkusen playing makes him Liverpool's favourite.
"It's so hard to replace Klopp. It doesn't matter who gets nominated, there will be murmurs about them. To fill Klopp's boots is near enough impossible unless you get a Pep Guardiola. He was a legend at Liverpool so to come to Anfield, he'd be automatically loved straight away. It would be the equivalent of [Steven] Gerrard coming home but I think Alonso is the best selection."
Reflecting on his playing days alongside the midfielder at Liverpool, he added: "Alonso was so cool and calm, it didn't matter where he was he could handle it. He's such a cool guy! Leverkusen are no small club, to be topping Bayern is already a lot of pressure and he's handling that well. At the moment he is my number one choice."