April is set to be a big month in Liverpool’s hunt to land Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
Alonso has been installed as the favourite to take over at Anfield next season ever since Jurgen Klopp announced his shock intention to leave the club in January.
In the two months or so since then though, there has been little movement. With the Spaniard focused on completing an unprecedented season with Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich also circling, Alonso hasn’t committed one way or another.
But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, that doesn’t mean that things aren’t happening behind the scenes. Speaking on the JD Football YouTube channel yesterday, the reporter claimed that both Liverpool and Bayern are going to be involved in a ‘crazy battle’ in April.
“I’m sure that Liverpool will fight until the end to get Xabi Alonso,” Romano says. “I see Liverpool and Bayern really fighting for the Spanish manager. It’s going to be an interesting one in the upcoming weeks and months.
“Trust me, Liverpool and Bayern will really try their best, also Bayern are already pushing for that. So, it’s going to be a crazy battle I think in April.”
Liverpool set for Alonso battle
It’s good to hear that Liverpool are ready to engage with Bayern on Alonso. It really feels as though if it came down to a straight choice for the 42-year-old, then he’d pick the Reds.
Should they show any kind of reticence or hesitation though, then the German giants will sneak in and grab the upper hand. Liverpool can’t allow that to happen.
There are reportedly still other managers on the shortlist at Anfield – Lens’ Franck Haise is one who’s been tentatively mentioned. But Alonso is the clear favourite.
If the World Cup winner does end up at Bayern, it will be a real blow to Liverpool in the early stages of the post-Klopp era.
Of course, they will have to keep their options open elsewhere though, and there are other good managers out there. They can’t wait forever for Alonso to make his decision.
With the end of the season fast approaching, April would feel like a good cut off point. After Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, Klopp’s last game will either be in the Premier League on May 19th, or the Europa League final three days later.
As Leverkusen also battle on three fronts, you can understand Alonso’s need for clarity. But the fact of the matter is that two massive clubs are waiting for his answer.
Liverpool have to have a back-up plan in place. But with the final stretch in sight, their former No.14 remains the one they really want.