01 February 2024 , 09:15
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Xabi Alonso believed that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard would be the natural choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp back in 2018.
Alonso played alongside Gerrard at Anfield during his Reds career and won the Champions League before moving on to Real Madrid and then Bayern Munich. The Spaniard and Gerrard have since both moved into coaching after hanging up their boots.
Both have watched from afar as Klopp has transformed the Reds' fortunes over the past eight years and Alonso, 42, has been installed as the favourite to succeed the German when he steps down from his role as manager at the end of the season.
But while Alonso may seemingly be next in line for the Anfield throne, he was convinced that Gerrard would step up to replace Klopp - even though he admitted that doing so himself would be a "dream".
Speaking to Guillem Balague, Alonso said of managing Liverpool: "Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways."
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He added: "I think that Stevie will go earlier than me for sure, it's the natural way. Stevie is already there so it's going to be sooner rather than later I guess."
It seemed like Alonso's prediction was spot on - for a while, at least. After a successful spell in Scotland with Rangers, Gerrard landed the Aston Villa job in 2021: a move many saw as a stepping stone to the top job at Anfield.
Join the debate! Is Alonso the right man to replace Klopp, Liverpool fans? Let us know here.
Gerrard is no longer in the frame to succeed the German (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)But Gerrard's Premier League return soon turned sour and he was sacked just 11 months later. He is currently the head coach of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq and is highly unlikely to feature in Liverpool's thoughts when they mull over Klopp's successor.
In contrast, Alonso is firmly in the frame after winning plenty of plaudits in Germany for the fine job he's done at Bayer Leverkusen, who are currently top of the Bundesliga and on track to win their first-ever German title.
Furthermore, it's understood that Leverkusen have privately indicated they would not stand in Alonso's way if an opportunity to manage one of Europe's elite were to arise - meaning Liverpool could have a clear run at bringing him back to Merseyside.
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