Liverpool and FSG have been busy making backroom additions in recent months, in wake of the shock news that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Anfield in the summer.

FSG have appointed Michael Edwards as their new CEO of Football, who in turn has secured the signature of Richard Hughes as the new Liverpool new sporting director, starting in summer.

However, the biggest change – in terms of what the fans will see – will be in the Liverpool dugout.



And as things stand, the Reds are still looking for Klopp’s successor.

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Xabi Alonso was said to be high up on the Liverpool wish-list, but the Spaniard recently confirmed that he plans to stay on at Bayer Leverkusen for the foreseeable.

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

This has led to links between the Reds and several other managers, such as Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi and Thiago Motta.

However, former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore doesn’t think that the Alonso saga should end with the Reds simply accepting he’s not going.

Collymore, writing on CaughtOffside, has urged the Reds to crank up the pressure in order to turn the 42-year-old’s head and convince him to join.

The Anfield cult hero has claimed that a club like Real Madrid would dig their heels in to try and get their man instead of leaving him be.

Collymore also believes that the Liverpool job is “Alonso’s destiny”, and the “perfect fit” for the Reds at the ideal moment in time.

“We all know Xabi Alonso has come out and pledged his allegiance to Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season,” wrote Collymore.

“But I don’t care – It’s time for Liverpool to step up their pursuit.

“So what, he came out with an “I’m staying” moment last week.

“They’d dig their heels in and make sure the world knows they’re going to get their man.

That’s what Liverpool now need to do.

“It’s Alonso’s destiny.

He’s a perfect fit, at the perfect time in Liverpool’s evolution, and with the greatest respect to Bayer Leverkusen, the only way is down after this season.

“So come on Michael Edwards, you’ve got the big job, the big title, so earn your keep and make it your mission to bring Alonso home.”

Although Alonso has pledged to stay at Leverkusen and Liverpool have seemingly eased off in their pursuit of the Spaniard, you can’t help but wonder whether things are still going on behind the scenes.

At the same time, you have to bear in mind that, as it’s now crunch time in the top European leagues and Europe, managers and players across the continent have more important things to think about.

Liverpool won’t want to bother Leverkusen and Alonso whilst they’re competing for a treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Europa League), especially since the head coach has made his feelings clear on his future.

The Reds would risk annoying and alienating both manager and club, and this wouldn’t be forgotten when it comes to Alonso going on to pick his next club, whether it be this summer or in the future.

You can see where Collymore is coming from, but Liverpool can’t just go on the offensive for Alonso’s services after he said what he said – at least not until the season is over.