Liverpool 'eliminates' Xabi Alonso to replace Klopp, reveals 2 outstanding candidates
Liverpool have ruled out Xabi Alonso replacing Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, with two prominent candidates emerging who could take the "hot seat" at Anfield.
According to various sources, from Times, Telegraph or ESPN, Liverpool gave up plans to pursue Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp, who will leave at the end of the season.
Currently, the two most prominent candidates to take over Jurgen Klopp's job at Anfield are Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton) and Ruben Amorim (Sporting).
After Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool in January (having told the club's board in November last year), Xabi Alonso emerged as the favourite, having played at Anfield and impressed on the bench at Leverkusen. It was believed that there was no one better suited to replace Klopp than Xabi.
In Germany, Bayern Munich are also said to have identified Xabi Alonso as the top replacement for Thomas Tuchel, as the German coach did not have a smooth sailing at the Allianz Arena, so the two sides decided to part ways early at the end of the season. Notably, Xabi also played for the Bavarians.
However, speaking yesterday (March 28), Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, said that inviting Xabi Alonso this summer "probably not possible”.
Meanwhile, sources said that the reason Liverpool's leadership decided to withdraw and no longer pursue Xabi Alonso is because they believe that the Spanish coach is unlikely to leave Leverkusen, where he is leading the team close to the Bundesliga championship and will participate in the Champions League next season.
After 26 matches played, Xabi's Leverkusen are on the way to the Bundesliga title, currently 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich, with 8 matches remaining. Impressively, Xabi's team is still unbeaten since the beginning of the season./.
