Liverpool’s Klopp: Alonso ‘standout’ manager of new generation،
Jurgen Klopp has hailed Xabi Alonso, one of the favorites to replace him at Liverpool, as a “standout” manager of the new generation of coaches.
Since Klopp announced last month that he would step down as Liverpool manager at the end of this season, Alonso – a former Anfield midfielder between 2004 and 2009 – has been seen as the leading candidate to take over. place.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
The Spaniard, 42, has guided Bayer Leverkusen to a five-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga and the team are one game away from equaling Bayern Munich's all-time German record of 32 games without defeat all competitions combined.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” Klopp told the media at a press conference on Friday. “It’s completely independent [of reports linking Alonso to Liverpool]. If you had asked me about Xabi Alonso eight weeks ago, I would have said: 'Oh my God.'
“Dinosaurs, if you want… [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, maybe me, we won't do it for the next 20 years. OK, maybe Mourinho will. The next generation is already here and I would say Xabi stands out in this area.
Alonso, who won a Champions League and an FA Cup during his time at Liverpool, is in his first managerial role after taking charge of Leverkusen in October 2022.
“Former world-class player, also from a coaching family, which helps a bit, he was already like a coach when he was playing,” Klopp added.
The football he plays, the teams he puts together, the transfers he has made, it's absolutely exceptional. I played in the Bundesliga for a long time and it's super impressive. Not just the points but the way which they play.
“Leverkusen has a very good chance of winning the cup. When you look at the Europa League, Leverkusen is also one of the favorites, so this could be Leverkusen's season. Really crazy.”
While Klopp insisted when he decided to end his eight-year stay at Anfield that he would have no influence over the choice of his successor, enthusiastic support from German hurts Alonso's prospects.
Asked about the possibility of becoming Liverpool manager following Klopp's January announcement, Alonso stressed his focus was on Leverkusen but added that “what will happen [in the future]I don't know.”
Alonso led Leverkusen, who have never won a Bundesliga title, to a 3-0 victory over champions Bayern last weekend. And they can now match the Bavarians' unbeaten record when they visit Heidenheim on Saturday.
“If we do it, I will be very happy, but it is not a thought for me at the moment,” Alonso said at a press conference on Friday. “My thoughts are with Heidenheim and their preparation. It is a consequence of the best season we have had so far, but it is not a concern or a thought for me.”
