Xabi Alonso has opened up about the speculations surrounding his potential role as the next manager for Liverpool, succeeding Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp will step down as the Reds boss at the end of the current season alongside his trusted assistants Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, with Lijnders looking to explore opportunities in management.
The decision follows a remarkable tenure of eight-and-a-half years, marked by significant success and achievement.
The German took over the reins at Anfield on October 8, 2015, and has since led the Reds to clinch the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, as well as the FA Community Shield.
Several managers have been linked with the soon-to-be vacant job at Liverpool including Roberto De Zerbi, Steven Gerrard, Julian Nagelsmann, Ange Postecoglou, Ruben Amorim, and Alonso who has been tipped to replace Klopp after stellar one-and-a-half seasons in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Liverpool midfielder boasts a remarkable 64 percent win ratio during his tenure with the Bundesliga club.
Under his guidance, Bayer Leverkusen achieved a commendable sixth-placed finish last season, securing qualification for Europa League football.
Leverkusen are currently top of the Bundesliga table, four points behind defending champions Bayern Munich.
Reacting to the suggestion he could be on his way to Anfield to replace Klopp, Alonso said: “Speculation is normal.
“What Jurgen has done in Liverpool I have a lot of respect for and great admiration for what he has done over the last few years.
“He’s achieved a lot. My focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen. I have a lot of motivation to do good work here.
“I’m very content and happy with the team and the club. So that is my focus.
“My focus is not on May, it is on tomorrow and Gladbach and on helping my players be ready for tomorrow. We’ll see what happens at Liverpool.”
Alonso enjoyed a five-season tenure with Liverpool as a player during the mid-2000s.
His contribution included 143 appearances in the Premier League, pivotal in securing victories that led to the team’s triumphs in both the FA Cup and the Champions League before making his high-profile move to Real Madrid.
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