Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

IMAGE CREDITS: SKY SPORTS

Cesc Fabregas believes that Liverpool have missed out on the opportunity to secure Xabi Alonso as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp this summer.

Klopp will conclude his nine-year tenure at Anfield when he departs at the end of the season, a decision that surprised many when announced earlier this year.

Since the German’s announcement, the Reds have been linked with various managers including Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.

Initially, former Reds midfielder Alonso emerged as a frontrunner to take charge, but he confirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Cesc Fabregas believes this is a significant setback for Liverpool, as they have missed out on an ‘intelligent manager.’

“I’m not surprised [by Alonso’s success] in a way because he’s a very smart, intelligent guy, very thoughtful.

I could feel as a player he was a protector but a protector with a lot of quality,” Fabregas told BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast.

“He was playing as a six but he could always contribute in the attacking point of view, in every phase of the game.

“They were bottom of the league with five points if I’m not mistaken?

“He already took the team very far in the conference cup last year and this year he can win the treble.

“It’s incredible and it shows when you’re smart and you know exactly what you’re doing that things can work out very, very well.”

Klopp’s aspirations for Europa League glory were dashed in Italy against Atalanta on Thursday night, as Liverpool failed to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg at Anfield.

Although Mohamed Salah scored the only goal in Bergamo, the Reds were defeated 3-1 on aggregate.

Liverpool currently sit just two points behind leaders and defending champions Manchester City in third place, with six games remaining in the Premier League.

Read more: Ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke reveals iconic ‘silencer’ celebration is inspired by LeBron James

Fulham captain Tom Cairney reluctant to discuss Liverpool’s pitfalls just in case Darwin Nunez gets a hat-trick

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool have no injury excuses left ahead of Premier League title-race run-in

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.