Shaka Hislop has shared what decision he is starting to believe Xabi Alonso may make about his future as Liverpool set their sights on making the Spaniard their next manager.
The speculation concerning who will succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield is starting to ramp up with the end of the Premier League season beginning to emerge on the horizon.
Fortunately, Liverpool have had time to consider their next move. It is one of the biggest decisions the club has made, with Klopp writing his name in the pantheon of Anfield greats.
Understandably, Xabi Alonso appears to be the favourite for the role. He enjoyed a successful period in his playing career on Merseyside. And he has done an amazing job with Bayer Leverkusen this season, with the club closing in on winning the Bundesliga title.
Xabi Alonso remains the one to watch as Liverpool set sights on next manager
There have even been suggestions that Alonso has already agreed to become Liverpool’s next manager. But, from the outside, there appears to be a large question mark over whether the 42-year-old will replace Klopp.
Speaking on ESPN, Hislop insisted that he would go to Liverpool if given the chance this summer. However, he admitted that he has now got a few doubts about whether Alonso will take the job after all.
“If it was me, I’d be going to Liverpool. All other circumstances being exactly the same, I’m thinking Liverpool. But, as I say that, I understand the speculation. We had Jan Age Fjortoft on FC during the course of this week, and he seems absolutely certain that Xabi Alonso is going to stay at Leverkusen for one more season. Personally, I just don’t see it. As a player, you understand, you strike while the iron’s hot. When clubs are interested in you, you move sooner rather than later simply because you don’t know what’s around the corner. Of course, that’s as a player,” he said.
“As a manager, it’s totally different for any number of reasons. So while I bow to Jan’s knowledge of the Bundesliga and him having his finger on the pulse on all things that are happening on the continent, I kind of start to think that Xabi Alonso is staying at Leverkusen for one more season. Again, for a number of reasons. You look at not just what’s happening at Liverpool, not just what’s happening at Bayern Munich, but in particular Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti staying on for at least a couple more seasons, and then Real Madrid, you expect, will consider what are their next options.
“That being said, two years is a long time to wait. And while I sympathise with Jan’s belief that he’ll stay at Leverkusen, while you understand Xabi Alonso wanting to stay on and show loyalty to a club that has supported him as Leverkusen has done, come the summer, I expect a lot of those same big European clubs to come after a lot of Leverkusen’s players.”
Spaniard the standout candidate as Reds face monumental decision
Interestingly, it was suggested this week that Liverpool may spring a surprise with their choice of Klopp’s successor following the return of Michael Edwards. Edwards is so well-connected that he will have as extensive a list of options as is possible for this role.
So perhaps there is something in the claims Alonso could remain in Germany. As Hislop notes, he has connections at a number of the world’s biggest clubs. And everyone is looking for the next Klopp or Pep Guardiola.
But it is an interesting point that Leverkusen may become victims of their own success. Sides who spring a surprise by winning titles often see their players attract a lot of interest.
What is undeniable is that Alonso would be an extremely popular choice with a large number of Liverpool fans at what could be a massive moment in the club’s recent history.
The post 'Start to think': Pundit admits he may be changing his mind on whether 42-year-old will be next Liverpool boss appeared first on TBR Football.