With German-born mastermind Jurgen Klopp announcing his retirement at the end of the season, Liverpool were on the lookout for someone to carry on the club’s glory days, with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso the man to watch out for.
However, the former Spanish midfielder, who was once a big hit on the Anfield pitch, has announced that he will stay with his current team, who will be eligible to challenge for the Champions League, and play in the Bundesliga next season.
The Reds have turned their attention to other targets, with their first choice being Sporting’s Ruben Amorim. Along with the Portuguese coach, several other managers are on the list, with Julian Nagelsmann, who is under contract with the German national team until after EURO 2024, also rumoured to be on the list.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool’s interest in the German manager is genuine, with Bayern Munich, who also missed out on Xabi Alonso, also planning a return, but it is unlikely to be the man to take over Klopp’s regime.
After showing great skill at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, his first challenge in charge of a big club was at Bayern, but a combination of managerial mess and a lack of communication with veteran players led to his dismissal midway through his second year in charge. He then took up the vacant position of coach of the German national team.
He has been actively promoting young players and the country is showing signs of a revival, and is now out of its worst period. This year’s EURO, which will be held in the same country, is expected to be a breakthrough from the recent poor run of form.
The young coach is focused on the tournament, but his contract runs until July 2024, and it is said that he hopes to decide on his departure before the EURO, and with whispers of a return to the club, what moves will Liverpool and the manager make…?