Since the sudden resignation of Jurgen Klopp, who had signed a contract with Liverpool until 2026, Xabi Alonso, who leads Bayer Leverkusen, has been the leading candidate to succeed him.
The Spanish coach is highly regarded for his ability to turn his team into a powerhouse in the Bundesliga and Europa League this season. In addition, his background as a player at Anfield is also a factor.
And with German clubs beginning to consider the future without Alonso, Spanish newspaper Relevo reported that Julen Lopetegui, also from Spain and most recently in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.
The 57-year-old coach, who has coached Real Madrid and Sevilla in the past, is an experienced coach who has coached the full Spanish national team as well as the under-category. He has been free since leaving Wolves and can be welcomed directly into the team.
AC Milan, whose coach Stefano Pioli’s departure is also uncertain, is also looking at him. Also, Nuno Espirito Santo had received an offer to take over when he was dismissed from Al-Ittihad, but he rejected the opportunity.
Lopetegui is expected to continue to lead the team around Europe, but will he step into his first coaching experience in Germany or Italy…?