Danny Murphy names 'phenomenal' Xabi Alonso alternative for next Liverpool boss
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Danny Murphy believes Luis Enrique would be the perfect choice to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager should the Reds consider a change in the dugout, with the former midfielder preferring the PSG boss over Xabi AlonsoDanny Murphy has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)Danny Murphy has suggested that Luis Enrique, rather than Xabi Alonso, would be the ideal candidate to take the reins at Liverpool should the club opt to make a managerial change.The Reds have given no indication of any desire to part ways with Slot, despite a challenging defense of the Premier League title he led them to so convincingly last season. Nevertheless, speculation surrounding a potential managerial shake-up has continued to gather pace, even as Liverpool remains on track to secure Champions League qualification.Alonso has been touted as a potential replacement for Slot ever since his dismissal as Real Madrid manager earlier this year, following a short and unsuccessful spell at the Bernabeu.READ MORE: Liverpool injury latest and possible return dates before Man Utd including Mo Salah and AlissonREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard disagree after Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal penalty controversyHowever, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy feels Enrique would be the standout choice for Anfield, should the Spaniard seek a new challenge after his time at Paris Saint-Germain this summer."For me, there is one outstanding candidate — Luis Enrique," said Murphy.
"Could Liverpool maybe tempt him, especially if he wins the Champions League again? Maybe he would feel like he needs a new challenge."He is a phenomenal coach, and when you watch PSG play, you kind of feel that is how I want my team to play.Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is being tipped to replace Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)"I am torn, just like a lot of Liverpool fans are.
The circumstances he has had to deal with this season have been tough in many ways."But if there is somebody out there who feels they can move the team more forward quickly, then yes, make the change."The biggest thing is that I have very rarely seen a Liverpool fanbase, a majority of the fanbase, turn on a manager quite so quickly through a bad spell."Chatting with Betarades.gr, Murphy added: "Xabi Alonso is an outstanding new manager, and he has that connection with the Liverpool fans, which always helps from an emotional point of view."There has been a lot of talk recently about the manager's connection with the fans - or maybe lack of connection."The only thing with Xabi Alonso is that he primarily is a possession-based manager, just like Arne Slot to a degree. I think Liverpool fans, at least from what we know, want a more risky, high energy and all in type of football."But he is a super, young coach, so it wouldn't surprise me if we see him as a Liverpool manager at some point."My gut feeling is that it would be a risk, but every manager is a risk, especially when you are trying to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal.