BBC pundit has spotted an ‘issue’ which might put Liverpool off appointing Xabi Alonso

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Xabi Alonso seems to be everyone’s favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at the moment. It’s easy to see why. He has done a brilliant job at Bayer Leverkusen and is still unbeaten this season in the Bundesliga. The fact that he has managed to take this side from being close to the relegation spots to fighting for the title speaks for itself.

Even on that alone, it’s easy to see why Alonso is the frontrunner for the job. However, that’s not the only reason. Add to that his close ties and affiliation with the club, and you almost start to see the perfect candidate.

However, there is a sentiment circulating around the media that perhaps Liverpool fans are looking at Alonso with rose tinted glasses. There are no questions he is a top coach, with great potential. But there is a question mark about whether he is ready to step into the role at Anfield. Especially to step into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp.

BBC pundit on Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is a fantastic coach. But coming in to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool is going to be a gargantuan task. Now speaking on the BBC Chris Sutton has made a similar point, and raised awareness to the fact that the Spaniard doesn’t have that much experience at the high level yet.

“Alonso is a rookie as far as a manager is concerned. I wonder if Liverpool would look at him and think that he hasn’t managed for long enough,” Sutton said.

“The issue is that Klopp was so charismatic, larger than life character and it isn’t just about coaching, you have to handle the whole club.

“That could be an issue. I think that’s probably why Klopp ended up getting knackered with the whole thing. I wonder whether going for a rookie like Alonso, a good rookie, but that may be viewed as a gamble too far.”

We understand Sutton’s concerns, and share them too about Alonso’s lack of experience. But in all fairness the Spaniard has played at a high level and that could help. On top of that, the truth is no one will be able to replace Klopp’s charisma, that is something that was simply always one of a kind.