Jurgen Klopp has praised Xabi Alonso, a leading contender to succeed him at Liverpool, as the “outstanding” manager among the emerging generation of coaches.
Since Klopp announced his departure as Liverpool’s manager at the end of the current season last month, Alonso, the former Anfield midfielder from 2004 to 2009, has been identified as the primary candidate to fill his shoes.
Alonso, aged 42, has steered Bayer Leverkusen to a five-point lead at the summit of the Bundesliga, with the team poised to match Bayern Munich’s historic 32-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
“Xabi is performing remarkably,” Klopp expressed during a media briefing on Friday. “This recognition stands regardless of the speculation surrounding Alonso’s potential move to Liverpool. If you had asked me about Xabi Alonso eight weeks ago, I would have been astounded.”
“The old guard, if you will — names like [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, perhaps myself — won’t dominate for the next 20 years. Well, maybe Mourinho will. The next wave of managers is already emerging, and I believe Xabi stands out in this regard.”
Xabi Alonso’s managerial prowess at Bayer Leverkusen has positioned him as one of the most promising young coaches worldwide.
Alonso, a recipient of the Champions League and FA Cup during his tenure at Liverpool, is embarking on his inaugural senior managerial role after assuming control at Leverkusen in October 2022.
“A former elite player, hailing from a coaching lineage, which undoubtedly adds value, Alonso possessed coaching attributes even during his playing days,” Klopp remarked.
“The style of football he employs, his tactical setups, and his astute transfers are truly exceptional. Having spent a significant period in the Bundesliga, I am thoroughly impressed. It’s not just about the points accumulated; it’s the brand of football they play.”
“Leverkusen stands a strong chance of clinching the cup. Considering their performance in the Europa League, Leverkusen emerges as one of the favorites there as well. It could indeed be Leverkusen’s season. Absolutely remarkable.”
While Klopp has insisted on no involvement in selecting his successor, his enthusiastic endorsement of Alonso is likely to bolster the Spaniard’s candidacy.
When questioned about the prospect of managing Liverpool following Klopp’s announcement in January, Alonso emphasized his current focus on Leverkusen, stating, “What the future holds, I cannot say.”
Alonso led Leverkusen, a club yet to secure a Bundesliga title, to a resounding 3-0 victory over reigning champions Bayern last weekend. The team now eyes a chance to equal Bayern’s unbeaten record as they face Heidenheim on Saturday.
“If we achieve it, I’ll be overjoyed, but my focus remains on Heidenheim and our preparations. It’s a result of the exceptional season we’ve had thus far, but it’s not at the forefront of my mind,” Alonso remarked during a Friday news conference.
