Alonso's private feelings on replacing Klopp as Liverpool boss
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Xabi Alonso's dream is to manage Liverpool.
Alonso has been tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp, who announced last month that he will leave the Reds in the summer. The Spaniard has done an excellent job at Bayer Leverkusen and hopes to guide them to the Bundesliga title this season for the first time in the club's history.
However, Alonso has publicly played down rumours of him taking over from Klopp at the end of the season. Meanwhile, it was reported on Tuesday that Alonso is 'happy' in Leverkusen and focused on winning the title. Leverkusen are currently unbeaten in 30 matches in all competitions.
While Alonso has been keen to avoid speaking about the possibility of him becoming the next Liverpool boss, talk is only going to heighten in the coming months. And former team-mate Schweinsteiger has shared inside knowledge on Alonso and he thinks the Leverkusen boss will leave the club this summer.
"I know him, and I am sure his dream is to coach Liverpool," Schweinsteiger said on German television while working as a pundit this week. "I am sure he will leave Leverkusen in the summer."
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejectedDuring his time at Anfield, Klopp has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League among other major trophies. He has the chance to add to his growing collection when Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final later this month. The Reds are also still top of the top-flight table despite last week's defeat at Arsenal.
As for Alonso, his Leverkusen side face Bayern Munich in a titanic match at the top of the Bundesliga table. A win for Leverkusen will take them five points clear with 13 games to go. Leverkusen have won 16 and drawn four of their 20 matches this season.
Speaking last month, Alonso distanced himself from the vacancy at Liverpool. He said: "I was surprised by Jurgen's news. I have huge respect for Jurgen and Liverpool. At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.
"Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he's done it. He has a connection with the fans, he's done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen.
"I have great motivation to do a good job here, I'm very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that's my focus. My focus isn't on May, it's on tomorrow ahead of our game against Gladbach and helping my players to be ready. But what I will say is it was surprising what happened at Liverpool with Jurgen leaving."
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