Xabi Alonso is currently seen as the leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but the current Bayer Leverkusen manager had previously endorsed one of his former teammates as a potential successor to Klopp.
Alonso and the former teammate formed a formidable midfield partnership during their five-year tenure together in the mid-to-late 2000s, contributing to Liverpool’s memorable Champions League victory in 2005.
Both teammates have experienced divergent paths since retiring from playing. Alonso has become one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, while Steven Gerrard now manages Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. However, his managerial career hasn’t always been at its current level.
Initially, there was speculation that the Liverpool-born ace could eventually manage his former club. Upon Gerrard’s transition to coaching after retirement, there were suggestions that he could one day return to Anfield as Liverpool’s manager.
Among those who believed in his potential for the role was his former teammate Alonso, who saw Gerrard as possessing the necessary qualities, at least at the time, to succeed Klopp.
“I’m following the early steps of his [Gerrard’s] career closely,” claimed Alonso back in 2017. “For sure he has all the attributes to become a big manager and a Liverpool manager one day. To have someone with his knowledge [will help Liverpool’s youngsters].
“But it’s different, you can be a great player but being a manager is a different task. He’s really focused and if he’s able to deliver that message he will be a good one.”
The tides has notably shifted since then, as Gerrard’s name isn’t even in consideration as a potential successor to Klopp at the conclusion of the ongoing season.
This shift follows a disappointing tenure in the Premier League with Aston Villa for Gerrard, where his managerial record saw just 13 victories out of 40 matches.
Ironically, it’s Alonso himself who emerges as the frontrunner to helm the Anfield club, with the Spanish tactician currently leading the odds to assume the managerial role post-Klopp.
In contrast to Gerrard, Alonso has garnered praise for his performance in one of Europe’s elite leagues, as his Leverkusen team sits comfortably atop the Bundesliga standings, boasting a 10-point lead over Bayern Munich.
Should Alonso guide Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory, he would etch his name in the club’s 120-year history as its first-ever manager to achieve such a feat.
This potential triumph may be one of three trophies within reach for B04 this season, as Alonso’s squad remains competitive in both the Europa League and the DFB Pokal, Germany’s equivalent of the FA Cup.
In other Liverpool news, Former Bayern Munich CEO Rummenigge Predicts Jurgen Klopp U-turn as the Liverpool Manager Considered “Dream Solution” for Role