Jurgen Klopp has ended his nine-year tenure at the helm of Liverpool. The German, who brought the club numerous titles, including the Premier League and Champions League, and was adored by players and supporters alike, will be away from coaching for the next year.
Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title, has emerged as his successor. He had played for Anfield during his playing days and was popular with the fans, many of whom wanted him to take over as manager.
He was also targeted by Bayern Munich and others, but decided to play in the Champions League with his current club.
In response, former Dutch international Dirk Kuyt, who had pitched with him at Anfield when he was a player, speculated on the Spanish manager’s feelings.
“I didn’t speak with Xabi about the Liverpool job earlier this year, so I don’t know exactly what his thoughts on it were, but when a club like Liverpool is coming for you, as a manager, and you have history there as a former player… you have to be a real man to turn a club like Liverpool down.”
“I think he did it with good reason. He is in the middle of making an unbelievable career, and what he achieved last season with Bayer Leverkusen was amazing. I think he had a feeling that he was not finished with that job yet.”
“I think he wants to become an even better manager, get some more experience and, I don’t know, maybe it’s a job he’ll look at again at a late”
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The former Spain midfielder is likely to take over the Real Madrid manager’s job from Carlo Ancelotti next season. The club in the Spanish capital also has the advantage of being in his home country, a place where the manager has fond memories of his time as a current manager.
With new manager Arne Slot in place, Liverpool are unlikely to abandon the Dutchman in a few years, unless they have a very poor run of results, and it is unlikely that they will make a move for him again in the near future.
That said, I would love to see Liverpool led by Xabi Alonso one day. Will that future ever come true?