Following the unexpected revelation of Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield this summer, Liverpool and FSG have been diligently augmenting their backroom team with new recruits in recent months.
FSG have appointed Michael Edwards as their new CEO of Football. Edwards, in turn, has secured the signature of Richard Hughes as the new Liverpool sporting director, starting in the summer.
The most notable change, as perceived by the fans, will be in the Liverpool dugout. Currently, the Reds are still in search of Klopp’s successor.
Xabi Alonso was reportedly high up on Liverpool’s wish-list, but he recently confirmed his intention to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for the foreseeable future.
Consequently, there have been links between Liverpool and several other managers, including Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thiago Motta.
Nonetheless, former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore believes that the Alonso situation shouldn’t conclude with Liverpool simply accepting his decision to stay.
Collymore, expressing his views on CaughtOffside, has urged Liverpool to intensify their efforts to persuade the 42-year-old Alonso to join by increasing the pressure.
The Anfield cult hero suggests that a powerhouse like Real Madrid would aggressively pursue their target rather than letting him slip away.
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. Could you imagine a Real Madrid saying: “Ok, we’ll leave you be then”? Absolutely not!
“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 committed to staying at Leverkusen and Liverpool appear to have relaxed their pursuit of the Spaniard, speculation persists regarding potential ongoing negotiations.
It’s important to acknowledge that amid the climax of the top European leagues and competitions, managers and players have their focus on critical matters.
Liverpool are mindful not to disrupt Leverkusen and Alonso during their pursuit of a treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Europa League), especially given the clear stance of Leverkusen’s head coach on Alonso’s future.
The Reds are cautious of risking tensions with both the manager and the club, aware that such actions could influence Alonso’s decision in choosing his next destination, whether in the upcoming transfer window or beyond.
While Collymore’s perspective holds merit, Liverpool cannot aggressively pursue Alonso’s services following his recent statements, particularly not until the conclusion of the season.
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