Xabi Alonso has already identified the next manager for Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp.

The potential successor to Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager may come from the Reds’ 2005 Champions League-winning midfielders. While Xabi Alonso is widely considered a leading candidate, the Spaniard has already identified one of his former Anfield teammates to potentially take on the role.

Known as the ‘midfield maestro’ during his tenure at Merseyside, Alonso was one of Rafa Benitez’s early signings in 2004 and became immensely popular with the club’s fans due to his impressive passing abilities, composed demeanor, and knack for spectacular plays.

After departing the Reds as a Champions League victor in 2009, he achieved further success with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before transitioning to football management. His stint as the coach of Real Sociedad B, leading to a promotion to Spain’s Segunda Division, brought him into the spotlight. Subsequently, he secured a higher-profile position at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the team out of the Bundesliga relegation zone and to a sixth-place finish, earning qualification for the Europa League.

This season has marked a notable advancement, with Bayer Leverkusen currently leading the German top flight and maintaining an undefeated record. Alonso’s swift ascension and strong connections with Anfield make him an apparent and fitting candidate to succeed Klopp when the Liverpool manager concludes his tenure at the end of the season, particularly among ECHO readers. However, when previously asked about potential replacements for Klopp, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was the individual Alonso suggested for the role. Nonetheless, Alonso also acknowledged his own desire to take on the job.

In a conversation with journalist Guillem Balague in January 2018 (as reported by the Express), Alonso stated, “Yes, for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”