Let’s welcome Our new Manager – Xabi Alonso to Liverpool: New inside knowledge emerges with one condition to encourage Klopp succession

Xabi Alonso has been pushed forward as a strong candidate to become the next Liverpool manager thanks to his progress with Bayer Leverkusen and a German former Red has revealed what might be in the Spaniard’s mind.

Just over 10 days have passed since Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to resign as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, but it must have felt like a lifetime for fans, eager to know how his era at the Anfield helm will end and who could take the reins thereafter.

There is no doubt that Klopp – the man to lead Liverpool to their sixth Champions League or European Cup crown, and first title of the Premier League era – will be a tough act to follow on Merseyside.

The Spanish tactician graced the Anfield turf for four years during his playing career before representing the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and he has since shown significant potential as a coach.

Indeed, Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side are currently top of the Bundesliga table, unbeaten after their first 20 games in the league this season.

Given Alonso’s previous association with Liverpool, he appears to be an obvious candidate for their upcoming vacancy.

And another former Liverpool midfielder, Dietmar Hamann, has explained why Alonso would be capable of succeeding Klopp after what he has been doing in Hamann’s native Germany.

“I think if anyone can do it it’s Xabi,” Hamann, who shared a pitch 38 times with Alonso during their Liverpool careers, told talkSPORT.

“He’s loved by the people, he’s been a brilliant player and what he’s doing at Leverkusen is exceptional.

“Obviously there’s a danger to going in after Klopp, the pressure and the expectations will be high, but I think they will have a team – if they keep them together – that competes for the Premier League next season