In January, Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season. The former Borussia Dortmund boss explained that he felt he was ‘running out of energy’ in the Anfield dugout and took responsibility for his departure, acknowledging the support he had received from the club’s higher powers.
This made it unlikely he would ever be sacked. As potential replacements, Sporting’s Ruben Amorim, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, and Germany international manager Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the role.
Xabi Alonso is seen as Liverpool’s top managerial target, being impressed with how he has guided Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga without suffering a defeat in 21 league matches. Bayern Munich is also interested in the ex-Real Madrid playmaker, as Thomas Tuchel, the current Bayern boss, is under increasing pressure and has not won over the support of his squad and the club’s higher powers.
Liverpool holds an advantage over Bayern in the race to secure Alonso’s services, as the 42-year-old reportedly favors joining Liverpool at the moment, despite interest from both clubs. Klopp’s early announcement of his departure has given Liverpool certainty about the need for a new manager.
This could be viewed as an advantage, as Tuchel could still turn things around at Bayern. Alonso has remained focused on his current role at Leverkusen and has not commented much on the speculation.
With Leverkusen at the top of the table, winning the title before departing could be an ideal way for Alonso to leave the club that provided him with the platform to showcase his managerial ability. There are conflicting reports regarding the release clause in Alonso’s contract at Leverkusen, with some claiming he would need the club’s approval to leave, while others suggest he is free to return to one of his former clubs (Liverpool, Bayern, and Real Madrid).