Jurgen Klopp lauds Xabi Alonso for victory over Thomas Tuchel: “Leverkusen was better than Bayern”

Xabi Alonso is currently one of the hottest managerial prospects out there, leading German club Bayer Leverkusen to an excellent season. They have been unbeaten in all games this season and are playing attractive soccer in every match, looking on track to win their first Bundesliga title after handing Bayern Munich a humiliating loss.

Xabi has established his reputation in Europe, where every club is looking to bring him in. And it seems Premier league outfit Liverpool could be the one, with the backing of the current manager.

Xabi Alonso garners praise from Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already made public that he will be leaving the role at the end of the season. This has made Xabi Alonso one of the favorites for the role, as he is a Liverpool legend himself as a player.

Klopp was recently asked about Xabi and his victory over reigning champions Bayern Munich. He was full of praise for the young manager, “Leverkusen was better than Bayern. Not counter-attack, just… better! That was the real surprise given the short time he was there, with a young team. He has made super signings, exactly what they needed and that’s really a very special job.”

Indeed, Xabi has put together quite a team in just a short time. Inheriting the reins of a Leverkusen team in October 2022 which was only a few points above relegation, he helped them get back on their feet and went as far as the Europa League semifinals.

He then made some very smart signings and brought out the best from many of the club’s young stars. Playing with impressive tactics, the team is one of the best in the world, as they have not even lost a single game in any competition yet.

Xabi linked with move to Liverpool amid Jurgen Klopp’s exit

Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Xabi Alonso come at a time when the latter is heavily connected with replacing Klopp at Liverpool. Fans of the club love him and remember him as a legend. Alonso himself loves the club and has stated it multiple times.

Some sources report that the club has already started the process of talking to the Spaniard. However, he remains committed to Leverkusen for now, as he hopes to win the Bundesliga with them.

His contract with the German club is said to contain a special clause that lets him join Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. With Madrid having Ancelotti, and Xabi reportedly not preferring to join Munich at the moment, it seems the Reds have a massive advantage.

If Liverpool want anyone to replace their best ever manager Jurgen Klopp, the obvious choice would be Xabi Alonso next season. And now that the German has given his blessings in a sense, it seems to be more probable.