It’s not easy finding a replacement for Jurgen Klopp. It’s pretty much an impossible task. The Liverpool manager has done what few people in the realm of football could. In fact, we are pretty certain no one else could have done what he achieved at Anfield.
Following on from Klopp is not going to be an easy task. But if there is anyone who can do it, it’s a manager who already has Liverpool close to his heart. A manager who plays exciting football, and is an emerging coach in the game right now.
A man who already has a well-established name, and who will be familiar both amongst supporters and prospective new players. Someone who is universally respected.
That man is of course, Xabi Alonso. He is simply the best candidate for the job, and he proved exactly why last night.
Why Xabi Alonso is the perfect candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp
After a 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich, it’s easy to talk about what Xabi Alonso has achieved on the pitch with Bayer Leverkusen. His side were clearly by far the better team and out-witted a Bayern Munich side managed by Champions League winning, Thomas Tuchel.
Yes, the football is exciting and it’s well set-up. As Jose Mourinho described, he has done an ‘extraordinary’ job at Leverkusen so far. Alonso clearly knows what he is doing in that regard.
But for me what made me convinced he was the perfect manager for the Liverpool job is not what happened in the 90 minutes. Even though that was pretty convincing as well. For me, what convinced me the most was what he did after the 90 minutes.
After a victory like that, it’s easy to get carried away. But Alonso remained calm. He was deferential and muted in his celebrations. He very much seemed to understand that this wasn’t the end of the line – there were plenty more games to be played.
A mark of his class was the fact that he brought his whole backroom staff to celebrate with the fans in the aftermath of the game.
That is the kind of human touch Klopp has always brought to Liverpool. That is the human touch Alonso seems to possess as well – and that makes him an even better fit for Liverpool.
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