According to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, there’s little discussion surrounding a 39-year-old manager who surpasses Xabi Alonso in terms of potential contributions to Liverpool.
It's widely believed that Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and there are several reasons for this belief.
It’s widely believed that Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and there are several reasons for this belief.
At 42 years old, Alonso has been performing exceptionally well in the Bundesliga. In just a season and a half, he has transformed Bayer Leverkusen from a team battling relegation to one contending for the title.
Furthermore, Alonso has a strong connection with Liverpool, having spent many years playing at Anfield, which makes the club dear to his heart.
He is also highly regarded by Liverpool supporters, particularly for his pivotal role in the memorable success of Istanbul.
While Alonso is already a revered figure and an emerging talent in management, it’s crucial to acknowledge that he is not the sole candidate for the position.
There may be other contenders who could potentially be even more suitable for the role.
Ruben Amorim is emerging as a viable option for Liverpool’s managerial position. While his name may not carry the same weight as Alonso’s among Liverpool supporters, the 39-year-old boasts more top-flight coaching experience.
Amorim has been active in Portugal’s top division since 2019, initially making a mark with Braga’s B team before transitioning to the first team.
During his tenure, he guided Braga to cup success and maintained an unbeaten record in nine league matches, including a historic victory against Benfica.
Amorim’s achievements captured the attention of Sporting, where he took on the role of head coach. In his first full season with Sporting, he secured both the league title and the Portuguese Cup.
He followed up his initial success by securing both the Portuguese Cup and Super Cup in his second season. Despite facing challenges in his third season, marked by upheaval, Amorim has demonstrated resilience and led his Sporting CP side to a strong position this season.
They are currently level on points with Benfica in the league standings, with a game in hand. Amorim’s managerial track record is just as impressive as Alonso’s, if not more so.
Despite being younger than Alonso, Amorim has accrued more experience managing in the top-flight. Known for his attractive style of football, he presents an alternative option for Liverpool that is currently flying under the radar amidst the focus on Alonso.