We now know that Xabi Alonso will not be the man to take over Jurgen Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool.
The Spaniard had looked for all the world like the ideal candidate to continue what Klopp has built at Anfield over the past nine years.
However, as per The Athletic, Liverpool have actually ‘been aware for some time’ that Alonso has decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.
The German club had always been publicly bullish about their prospects of keeping the 42-year-old and it now looks like they’ll get their way.
As a result, Liverpool are going to have to now look elsewhere. Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi have regularly been mentioned as two leading candidates and it feels likely that it will be one of those two. But they shouldn’t be the only names the Reds are considering.
Could Pep Lijnders be re-considered
Right from the moment Klopp announced his intention to leave in January, current Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders was put forward to succeed him.
Lijnders has always been clear about his intention to become a manager and it was felt that the continuity could benefit the Reds.
However, the 41-year-old publicly ruled himself out of the running in February and has since been named as a contender for the Ajax job next season.
And despite Alonso dropping out now, The Athletic reiterate that Lijnders will also not be considered by Liverpool.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Dutchman is really highly rated across Europe. But the Reds are not thinking about keeping him on in any capacity.
For now, it appears virtually certain to be Amorim or De Zerbi, with Julian Nagelsmann also quite possibly in the conversation. No U-turn for Pep.
Will Xabi Alonso regret Liverpool decision
From our point of view, this is a really bold move from Alonso, and could have the potential to bite him in the back.
Sure, he’s on top of the world right now. His team are absolutely flying in his first full season as a manager and he looks set for a long and successful career on the touchline.
But nothing is guaranteed in football, and when a chance like this comes along, you simply have to take it. Liverpool have hired six managers in 26 years. It is not a position that becomes vacant all that often.
We understand that Alonso may feel he needs a little more experience and isn’t ready to come back to Anfield. However, it may truly have been a one time thing. All the best, Xabi.