Caution for Xabi Alonso: Liverpool Managerial Role Poses High-Risk Challenge
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has claimed that whoever replaces Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool will be “putting their head in a guillotine.” He compared taking the job at Anfield to the seemingly impossible task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Following Klopp’s shock announcement that he would be leaving the Reds this summer, Xabi Alonso quickly became the favorite to replace him.
In an interview with Betfred, Johnson expressed his concerns about the Liverpool managerial role. He stated that maintaining the same level of success would be expected, as the next manager would inherit a great team in a good moment. This could potentially set up the new manager to fail. Johnson believes that this challenge will deter many big-name managers from considering the position. He even compared Liverpool’s struggle to find a replacement for Klopp to Manchester United’s struggle to replace Ferguson.
However, Johnson does think that Xabi Alonso could be a good option for the job. Alonso, who spent six years playing for Liverpool and won the Champions League with them in 2005, has not expressed any interest in a move to England. Johnson believes that Alonso’s affiliation with the club as an ex-legend and fan favorite would give him more time and patience from the fans. While it would still be a gamble due to Alonso’s lack of long-term experience as a top-flight manager, he ticks almost every box to succeed Klopp.
Alonso has already made a name for himself as an innovative coach, implementing an attractive and pressing style of play at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has taken them from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven points clear at the top. If Leverkusen maintains their lead and becomes German champions for the first time in their history, the case for Alonso to become Liverpool’s next manager would be irresistible. Both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof that they could dethrone dominant clubs in their leagues, and Alonso could do the same in his second season as a top-flight manager.
Reportedly, Liverpool contacted Alonso three months ago to gauge his interest in the job. However, Alonso has stated that he is currently happy at Leverkusen and enjoying his work there. He expressed his respect and admiration for what Klopp has done at Liverpool. Other candidates for the Liverpool managerial role include Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Sporting’s Ruben Amorim, and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann.
In conclusion, the Liverpool managerial role poses a high-risk challenge for anyone who takes it on. Replacing a successful manager like Jurgen Klopp is no easy task, as evidenced by Manchester United’s struggles to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. Xabi Alonso is seen as a good option due to his affiliation with the club and his success as a coach at Bayer Leverkusen. However, his lack of long-term experience makes it a gamble. Liverpool will need to carefully consider their options as they plan for a future without Klopp.