Xabi Alonso may be out of the running for the Liverpool position, with Ruben Amorim now a strong contender.
Liverpool bosses are facing the fact that they will most likely miss out on Xabi Alonso after strong sources in Germany indicated that he will move to Bayern Munich instead this summer, forcing FSG to settle for their second option and revealing the reasons for the Spaniard’s refusal.
The Merseysiders are currently in the final three months of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, following the German’s big statement in January that this would be his last season at Anfield. Having led Liverpool since October 2015, the German has won seven major titles throughout his tenure in charge.
However, identifying his replacement will be difficult, since Klopp leaves Anfield as a true club legend and universally considered as one of the finest and most charismatic managers in the club’s history.
Fortunately for FSG, there have been plenty of credible candidates to succeed him in the Anfield dugout, including Ruben Amorin, Roberto De Zerbi, and Julian Nagelsmann, all of whom have a good reputation among the Liverpool management.
However, Alonso has been the talk of the town, having performed admirably in his first senior managerial post with Bayer Leverkusen. They currently lead the Bundesliga by ten points above 11-time reigning champions Bayern Munich, who have only ten games remaining to catch up and prevent Leverkusen from winning their first title in 119 years.
With Klopp even endorsing Alonso as his potential successor, it appeared that the Reds had everything they needed to complete their move.
Reasons behind Xabi Alonso’s snub to Liverpool
When asked lately about Alonso’s chances of succeeding him, Klopp stated, “Xabi is doing an amazing job.
“The ‘dinosaurs’ like Ancelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola, and myself will not be able to do it for another 20 years, but the next generation has already here. I believe Xabi excels in that area.He was a world-class athlete who also served as a coach, and the team he assembled is extraordinary. Not just the number of points scored, but also how they play.”
However, Liverpool have not been the 42-year-old’s sole pursuers, with another of his previous teams, Bayern Munich, recently announcing their intention to enticing him to the Allianz Arena as a successor to Thomas Tuchel, who will quit at the end of this season.
Next Liverpool manager: FSG steps up Ruben Amorim hunts
Plettenberg’s accusations follow an earlier warning from Bernd Schuster, who also urged Alonso against leaving Leverkusen too hastily.
“Xabi’s situation reminds me of a similar situation I was in a few years ago,” Schuster was quoted as saying by Bild.
“Back then, I coached my team Getafe to the European Cup before moving on to Real Madrid.” After that, I reflected on how much I would have liked to have played for Getafe as a smaller team in the European Cup (Champions League).
“This was the club’s first trip to Europe in its existence, so it would have made for an interesting tale. So it’s difficult to decide.
“I would understand every decision Xabi makes. But one thing is certain: sometimes you have to be careful not to desire everything right now.
“As a young coach, you still have plenty to learn. And if, like Xabi, you already have your own team that he has carefully assembled and cultivated, it is also a very intriguing challenge to take this team to the next level.”
As a result, Liverpool are now facing the real danger of losing their first choice for the post and having to consider other choices.
And, as TEAMtalk revealed last week, their second option for the post is Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim, who has had great success with the Portuguese giants.
Despite being only 39 years old, Amorim has more than four years of management experience and has presided over more than 200 matches, including leading Sporting to the 2021 Primeira Liga title.
Amorin’s employment would cost Liverpool over €30 million (£25.7 million) due to the release clause in his contract, which FSG would be willing to fulfil if they believe he is the ideal man for the position.
However, his stats have wowed FSG, who are now thought to be conducting due diligence on Amorim in preparation for his probable employment at Anfield, and discussions over his potential appointment are expected to begin as soon as feasible.
He presently has a 70.30 win %, having won 142 of the 202 matches he has managed for the capital club.
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