The search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor is on at Liverpool, with the club facing its biggest task in decades and decades.
Players from Sadio Mane to Jordan Henderson can move on. The club can cope. But with Jurgen Klopp set to leave at the end of the season, this is the biggest of blows to Liverpool.
But who is set to become Liverpool’s next manager? And what type of style will need to be brought in?
Former Championship manager Gary Rowett says he is certain that Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso will be the next man in the Anfield dugout, as he told Sky Sports (27/01/24 at 2:25 pm).
The Englishman described Xabi Alonso as someone who is a hybrid of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, not a bad combination to have!
On paper, there is no doubt that the rising Spanish coach is the man for Liverpool.
But the only cloud over his head is his lack of experience, but that doesn’t worry Gary Rowett because he is backing Xabi Alonso to be the next man through Liverpool’s doors.
Next Liverpool manager
“I think Liverpool will throw heaven and earth to get Xabi Alonso,” said Rowett. “I think the reason why, yes he understands what it’s like to put on the shirt and he will have that instant synergy.
“He has been incredible with Leverkusen this season. They have been brilliant. And also, he has worked under Guardiola and Klopp. He is actually almost a hybrid when you watch his teams play. They are actually in between, so I think he is different enough, yet he still has that hallmark of somebody who could be successful.
“I would be surprised if he isn’t the next manager. I think he would be the next manager.”
Will Liverpool fans want Xabi Alonso?
In terms of what the 42-year-old has on paper, he ticks many boxes. Plus, he is riding a wave, at the moment, which also helps.
The fact that Alonso is a former player and was a fan favourite during his time at the club, then that’s another big plus.
Then his style of play would be welcomed at Liverpool, so bearing that all in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise if fans would back Alonso for the job.
Sources have already told HITC Football that the high-flying Leverkusen manager is on the club’s list.
What Liverpool also need to take into account is that the next manager needs to have the ability to win the Premier League title instantly.
The key players in that dressing room are the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. They aren’t at an age where they can build, they need the here and now.
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