Liverpool’s search to hire the perfect successor for Jurgen Klopp appears to be well underway.
By now, the Reds have had virtually two months to publicly make their approaches for Liverpool’s next manager. Beyond that, Klopp actually aired his wish to leave privately way back in November.
With Richard Hughes now locked in as new sporting director, the former Portsmouth midfielder will be the man tasked with finding the right man.
So far, the outstanding candidate has clearly been Xabi Alonso. Having an incredible, undefeated season with Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are reportedly set for a ‘crazy battle’ with Bayern Munich for Alonso over the next months.
Pique weighs in on Alonso to Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Alonso is clearly no secret. The Reds were said to have contacted his agent over a possible move back in February and his links to the club would make him a popular choice with fans.
And now, in an interview with Sky Sports, the 42-year-old’s former Spain teammate Gerard Pique has weighed in on what he’s been hearing ‘everyone’ say about Alonso and Liverpool.
“For sure, I could see he had what it took to be a successful manager,” said the retired centre-back. “He absolutely loves football. He understands how to play the game and it’s very similar to Sergio Busquets. Busquets is still playing but he will be another incredible coach. Xabi has demonstrated at Bayer Leverkusen why he is so highly regarded.
“He is having the perfect season in not losing. Let’s see next year what he’s doing. Everyone says Liverpool will be an option after Klopp leaves, so let’s see.”
What’s the latest on Alonso to Liverpool
For the time being, things appear to in a bit of a state of standoff where Alonso is concerned. Quite clearly he’s the top target for both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
But it’s also abundantly obvious that Xabi will not be rushed into making a decision.
With Bayer Leverkusen on the brink of a first ever Bundesliga title, the World Cup winner does not want any distraction. Bayern have seemingly not always respected this, with Leverkusen reportedly unhappy with some of their tactics in the press. But Liverpool appear to have stayed back and let Alonso do his work.
They obviously can’t wait forever and ideally the picture will be clear by the time the two teams potentially meet in the Europa League final.
If Alonso has agreed to take over at Liverpool, and that match-up happens, it will be a really special ocassion.
Before any of that though, the Reds are still having to hedge their bets. Without the green light from their former midfielder, they’re said to be still considering moves for Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi, too.
Alonso is the man they really want though, hence why Pique has been hearing all about it.
With Hughes now onboard, hopefully we’ll start to see some definitive movement over the next couple of weeks.