Xabi Alonso Confirms Commitment to Bayer Leverkusen As Liverpool FC Vacancy Questions Arise

• Xabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp once the Liverpool manager steps down
• Alonso is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen and is focused solely on the German side
• Leverkusen lead Bayern Munich in the race for the title and are the only unbeaten side in Europe

Jurgen Klopp’s surprise announcement has rocked the footballing landscape and put many managers in the spotlight.

The German tactician announced that he would leave Liverpool Football Club at the end of the season after nine years at the Merseyside club.

While some are still reeling with shock after the news, others are already considering who could fill Klopp’s shoes once he leaves.

Top of that list of potential replacements is Xabi Alonso, current Bayer Leverkusen manager.

Alonso is considered one of the brightest young managers in world football at the moment and was even lined up with the Real Madrid job at one stage.

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Asked whether the Liverpool job was appealing, Alonso said that his priority was managing Leverkusen, Sky Sports reported.

“My focus is Leverkusen. At the moment, I am really happy here. I still have a big motivation, and I am very happy with the club and the team," the former Liverpool star said.

Alonso’s previous comments about Liverpool

While Alonso has been thrust into the spotlight as a possible manager of the team, it’s not the first time he has been quizzed about taking charge of his former side.

Asked in 2018 about the post, Alonso said at the time that he needed to prove himself first.

Alonso proving himself with Leverkusen

If anyone doubted Alonso’s credentials to lead a big team, he is proving them wrong with his stint in Germany.

Leverkusen are four points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table and are the only side in Europe still unbeaten. With the season more than halfway complete, Alonso could lead the German underdog side to their first major trophy in their history.

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Alonso is a former Liverpool great

Fans would welcome Alonso as Klopp’s replacement primarily because of his time spent at the Anfield-based team.

The Spanish midfielder played 210 games for the English side and won the FA Cup and Champions League in the colours of The Reds, Transfermarkt noted.

Alonso among five possible replacements for Klopp

With Jurgen Klopp deciding to step down as Liverpool manager, numerous coaches have already been linked with the position.

Xabi Alonso remains the favourite, having found coaching success at Bayer Leverkusen and playing for Liverpool during his career.

Sports Brief looks at the five managers who could potentially be hired to replace the German tactician once he leaves the English side.