LIVERPOOL contacted Xabi Alonso in November about taking over from Jurgen Klopp, according to reports.
Klopp shocked the footballing world last month when he confirmed he’d be departing Anfield after nearly nine years.
Alonso, 42, is the overwhelming favourite to become the Reds’ new boss next term on the back of Klopp’s revelation that he will be stepping down.
Klopp, 56, has won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds and is currently top of the Prem table, despite losing 3-1 to Arsenal on Sunday.
But he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.
Klopp explained his decision to step down in an emotional interview in which he shared his love for the club, the fans and the city.
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But despite revealing it to the world last month, Klopp informed club chiefs as early as November last year.
And according to French media outlet Foot Mercato, Liverpool began the process of finding his replacement straight away.
The club reportedly made contact with Alonso three months ago.
The purpose of the first contact was to establish if Alonso would be interested in leaving his current role at Bayer Leverkusen.
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Xabi Alonso is perfect man for the job
By Dan King
XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.
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Alonso, who made 210 appearances for Liverpool as a player, has already made a huge impact at Leverkusen despite being in his first full season of senior management.
The club currently sit top of Bundesliga, and remain unbeaten across all competitions this season, as they bid to win their first league title in their 120-year history.
Leverkusen reportedly remain optimistic and assume Alonso will stay at the club this summer, with the Spaniard already involved in their squad planning for next season.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder broke his silence over the potential move last week.
Addressing the rumours linking him with the job, Alonso said: “At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work.
“Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.”
“Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool.”
Other candidates for the job include, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Sporting’s Ruben Amorim and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
