31 January 2024 , 13:11
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Xabi Alonso is the "perfect" replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, according to former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov
The Reds will be appointing a new manager this summer with Jurgen Klopp leaving after a glittering period at Anfield. Alonso, a former Liverpool star, has emerged as a candidate to take the reins at the club, after his eye-catching impact at German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Berbatov, who starred at the BayArena as a player before moving to the Premier League, has been impressed by Alonso’s work with the Bundesliga leaders and believes he can implement a similar style should he be appointed at Liverpool.
Speaking to Betfair, he said: “Alonso will be the number one candidate for the Liverpool job. I bet Alonso has started thinking about the Liverpool job. Maybe someone has contacted him already? Let’s wait and see. The only name that popped straight in my mind when it was announced Klopp was leaving was Xabi Alonso.
“Alonso is showing so far that he can handle everything. Going to Liverpool, it’ll be even more challenging for him, but he’ll have the confidence he can do it based on what he’s doing right now.
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“Going to Liverpool, he’ll bring that style of play. It’ll fit Liverpool because there’s not much difference in the way they play to Leverkusen. Leverkusen press high when they need to press, they control the ball, play from the back, playing brave passes.
“Alonso has a great eye for talent. Nobody had ever heard of some of the players in Leverkusen’s squad before Alonso arrived. Alonso has developed them. So obviously, he has that potential to see the talent and develop them and make them play good football.”
Dimitar Berbatov has given his verdict on Xabi Alonso taking over at Liverpool (Getty Images)Who do you think should be Liverpool's next manager? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Alonso currently has Leverkusen sitting pretty in the Bundesliga. They lead the standings after winning 15 out of their 19 games so far and hold a two-point advantage over reigning champions Bayern Munich.
The former Spanish midfielder has a year-and-a-half remaining on his current contract. And while Leverkusen are loath to part with the World Cup winner after his stellar work so far, they're more than aware that a return to Anfield will be tough to turn down.
Alonso had been mooted as a potential candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid previously, but with the Italian having signed a new contract to remain in situ at the Bernabeu, Los Blancos won't be coming calling this summer.
Should Liverpool make a move for him, then Alonso will hope to be moving to Anfield with the league title in tow, such has been his side's early season success; Leverkusen, cruelly labelled 'Neverkusen' in Germany due to their record of being five-time runners-up in the Bundesliga without ever winning the crown, are desperate to finally take the title this term.
Klopp meanwhile could walk away from the Reds in a blaze of glory. Liverpool have already reached the final of the League Cup, are still in the FA Cup and top the Premier League. The Reds have confirmed that Klopp's final season will be documented in a special behind-the-scenes documentary, after the German gave permission this week.
Klopp said: “With this being my final season I thought we should provide a rare opportunity for viewers to have more of an inside look at what makes this club so special - its people.
“From our fans to our players and those who work so hard behind the scenes, constantly in pursuit of success for Liverpool Football Club.
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“Thanks to this new documentary series viewers will be able to see what I see every day at this great club, and understand those amazing people more.”