10 months ago
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XABI ALONSO has broken his silence following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool.
The former Reds midfielder has been tipped as a possible successor after Klopp announced he will step down as manager at the end of the season.
GettyAddressing the rumours linking him with the job, Alonso 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.”
He continued: “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.”
Asked if he can rule out becoming Liverpool manager next season, he added: “Honestly… I don’t have a direct answer (laughs).
“I’m happy here right now, that’s for sure, and only thinking about Leverkusen.”
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Xabi Alonso is perfect man for the job
By Dan King
XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.
Alonso is currently in charge of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.
His side are four points clear in Germany as they chase a first-ever league title.
The Spaniard spent five years at Anfield as a player between 2004 and 2009.
During that time, he made 210 appearances and scored 18 goals from midfield.
Alonso also won both the Champions League and FA Cup during his time with Liverpool.
The 42-year-old previously spoke of his desire to one day manage Liverpool back in 2018.
He told talkSPORT: “Yeah, for sure, I have dreamt of that, for sure.
“First I have to prove myself and to prepare but, you know, if I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager you know, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there and, you know, why not?
“We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”
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