Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has expressed his concerns over Xabi Alonso succeeding Jurgen Klopp, amid reports that the Bayer Leverkusen manager has said “yes” to the Reds.
Alonso has emerged aiverpools L’s top contender to take over as manager when Klopp’s nine-year tenure ends this summer.
Sporting’s Ruben Amorim is also valued by the new Reds administration, which now includes Michael Edwards as FSG’s Football CEO and Richard Hughes as sporting director.
Nonetheless, “This is the best Leverkusen team I’ve seen. We have 18, 19, and 20 players, and it does not matter who participates. There are numerous tactics. There’s a lot to consider from the opponents’ standpoint. It’s quite difficult to play against us.”
the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, is the main target for Liverpool.
Furthermore, TEAMtalk exclusively reported one month ago that Liverpool had made a three-year contract offer.
Alonso has performed admirably in Germany, and his Leverkusen team is on track to win their first Bundesliga title.
Leverkusen are currently 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich, and with only eight games remaining, the title is within sight.
Troubling allegations from a Liverpool standpoint have emerged in recent days in Germany, claiming that if Alonso leaves Leverkusen, he will join Bayern.
The Bavarian giants are also looking for a new manager, as Thomas Tuchel steps down at the end of the season.
However, according to beIN Sports’ Richard Keys, Alonso has informally said “yes” to joining Liverpool.
“As I always say when I share news like this — these big deals can always go wrong,” Keys said on his blog.
“There’s a lot that can go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or a coach/manager, but according to my source, Alonso has opted to join Liverpool.
“If I’m a Liverpool fan – that excites me.”
As Keys mentioned, an agreement needs yet be worked out.
But, if Alonso has actually given Liverpool the nod, the most difficult hurdle has been overcome.
However, former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel believes the Reds and Alonso are on their way to catastrophe.
The Liverpool job may swallow Alonso up.
According to Babel, who played alongside Alonso under Rafa Benitez at Anfield, Alonso may not be ready to succeed Klopp as it would be a risky move.
“I think maybe to replace Klopp, it would be a big risk for him,” Babel said. “Of course, you can see he’s a good manager in the making.
“But the difference with Leverkusen and Liverpool is that with Leverkusen, it’s okay if you do well but with Liverpool, you have to do well.
I think it would be better for him to step in at a different time.
“Even though this is the perfect time, I think it will be very difficult and the pressure is very high to replace Klopp.”
Are Babel’s concerns justified?
The type of concern raised by Babel will no doubt have been factored into the equation by Liverpool chiefs.
However, one cannot overlook Alonso’s outstanding performance at Leverkusen.
Aside from being on the verge of shattering Bayern’s 11-year Bundesliga dominance, Leverkusen is unbeaten in all competitions and might win the DFB Pokal and Europa League.
Lukas Hradecky, the starting custodian at Leverkusen, recently shed light on Alonso and his impact.
Furthermore, Hradecky appeared to insinuate that the Leverkusen squad believes Alonso would depart the club as a conquering hero this summer.
“That’s our wish and dream, for him to stay, but no-one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route,” Hradecky, who plays for Finland, added.
“We see on a daily basis that he enjoys being in Leverkusen.” He enjoys Dusseldorf, where he lives. From another perspective, how can you make it better than this season?
Hradecky went on to say, “There’s a lot to think about, but he’s a gentleman enough to make the right decision, and he knows what’s best for him.”
“But we didn’t have the atmosphere he brought to Leverkusen previously. I believe that stems from how he has experienced football.
“In Madrid and Liverpool, that’s the level we aim for every day. It was here when he arrived, but it is now up here. The hype is well justified.
“This is the best Leverkusen team I’ve seen. We have 18, 19, and 20 players, and it does not matter who participates. There are numerous tactics. There’s a lot to consider from the opponents’ standpoint. It’s quite difficult to play against us.”
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