Liverpool fans could be kept waiting for at least another couple of months before the club formally announces its next manager.

Xabi Alonso remains many people’s favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp, with Richard Keys even claiming that the Bayer Leverkusen boss has ‘decided on’ a move to Anfield, although the 42-year-old remains at the centre of a tug-of-war between the Reds and Bayern Munich.

In his latest Liverpool Confidential round-up for the Daily Mail, Lewis Steele outlined that LFC are reluctant to approach managers directly mid-season but mightn’t have the luxury of time amid the Bavarian’s interest, although it could be another few weeks before interviews are held.

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The journalist wrote: “Liverpool are keen not to disrespect clubs by approaching their managers directly but there is a feeling they must step up their search soon to avoid being scooped by Bayern and Co.

“April and May, therefore, will be key months of background talks. It would be heavily unlikely that any interview process would begin while the season is ongoing but groundwork is being done in both Liverpool and Munich to get their men.”

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Liverpool chiefs are indeed left treading a delicate tightrope – do they push for Alonso now and potentially antagonise Leverkusen, or do they hold back out of respect for him and the club, at the risk of letting Bayern beat them to the punch?

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will surely be hard at work discussing with representatives of various managerial candidates, even if a formal approach to a club isn’t made while the campaign is still ongoing and an appointment isn’t confirmed until after the season ends.

There’s also a balance to be struck between finalising a successor for Klopp at the earliest opportunity, so that the brains trust can press ahead with plotting a summer transfer strategy, and undergoing all due diligence so that the right candidate is found.

It looks like it could take another few weeks before we discover for sure who’ll be leading the team into a new era at Anfield, although the process should hopefully gather pace over the coming month.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Christian Falk has shared details of a conversation he had with Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl regarding Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool manager is stepping down at the end of this season, and the Bundesliga champions are also on the lookout for a new head coach to take over from Thomas Tuchel once the current campaign ends.

That has inevitably led to some whispers that the Bavarian giants could seek the 56-year-old to come in at the Allianz Arena, but in truth such a move isn’t likely to materialise in the foreseeable future.

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Writing in his Fact Files for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Falk revealed: “I recently sat with Max Eberl, FC Bayern’s new sports director, for an hour and a half. In Munich, the fans continue to hope that Eberl will try out Jürgen Klopp after all. Bayern needs a successor for Thomas Tuchel, who will leave early in the summer. But Eberl will not pick up the phone for Klopp.

“Eberl told me: ‘I know what it means when you make statements like Kloppo, who said: ‘I have no energy left.’ Few people can judge that better than me, because I’ve been through it. That’s why I won’t call him.’ Eberl had experienced burnout and had to quit as manager of Mönchengladbach.”

READ MORE: ‘Fewer believe…’ – German journalist shares Xabi Alonso claim which could sicken Liverpool fans

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In making the bombshell announcement about leaving Liverpool, Klopp attributed his decision to ‘running out of energy’, which didn’t make the shock news any easier to absorb but simpler to understand, with the German having been in management almost non-stop since 2001.

It therefore seemed illogical that he’d duly take up one of the most pressurised roles in European football as Bayern boss, and when Eberl – who’s able to relate because of his own experiences – dismisses the idea of the 56-year-old coming to Munich, it’s safe to say that Bavarian chiefs will be looking elsewhere for Tuchel’s successor.

Similar to Pep Guardiola after he left Barcelona in 2012, the Reds manager looks set to take a year out of football, after which he might possibly return to the sport if the right opportunity comes up.

Klopp is a person who lives off a passion and energy for his work, and when that begins to subside and he no longer thinks he can bring his full self to the role, it’s natural that he wants to step away.

One thing is for sure – Bayern Munich isn’t the place to go for a manager who needs a break due to burnout.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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According to reports from Germany, Liverpool could be ready to swoop if one of Europe’s most coveted talents becomes embroiled in a contract impasse.

The print edition of Sport Bild claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Reds are among three Premier League clubs keeping a close watch on Jamal Musiala’s situation at Bayern Munich.

It’s reported that Allianz Arena chiefs need to show the 21-year-old a career plan which could catapult him to becoming a global superstar like Jude Bellingham, and that it’d require a substantial increase to his base salary of €5m (£4.3m) per year.

Contract talks are currently planned for the end of the season, with a wariness in Bavaria that the Germany international could seek a return to England, where he spent the majority of his childhood.

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Musiala’s contract situation at Bayern could indeed be one to watch with interest. If club chiefs are unable to offer him a wage packet in line with his career ambitions, that may open the door for Liverpool to pounce.

The attacking midfielder – who can also play on either flank – has 10 goals and six assists in 30 matches so far this season, and he’s currently enjoying a rich vein of form which has seen him plunder six goal contributions in his last four Bundesliga games (Transfermarkt).

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Michael Owen described the 21-year-old as an ‘exceptional’ talent with ‘unbelievable’ dribbling ability, and a player who’s ‘got the lot’ in terms of his skill set (Bavarian Football Works).

If Liverpool were to bring in Xabi Alonso as their next manager, the Spaniard might have eyes on a young talent who he’s seen up close during Bayer Leverkusen’s jousts against Bayern this season.

When the Bundesliga’s top two met last month in a 3-0 defeat for the Munich giants, Musiala stood out with his composure on the ball (93% passing success) and willingness to get stuck in (six duels won), via Sofascore.

Anfield chiefs will be watching matters at the Allianz Arena very closely, patiently waiting for their opportunity to strike if there’s any hint of an impasse in terms of a new contract for the youngster.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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An update from Fabrizio Romano may yet offer hope to Liverpool fans that Xabi Alonso could potentially still be our manager from next season.

On Monday, Sky Germany reported that Bayern Munich had ‘opened discussions’ with the Bayer Leverkusen boss regarding their managerial vacancy, news which seemed to represent a significant setback to the Reds’ pursuit of the 42-year-old.

However, in his latest Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, the Italian insisted that the former Anfield midfielder remains fully focused on his current club, adding that ‘nothing is done’ with any prospective suitor.

Romano outlined: “We know Xabi Alonso is one of the names appreciated by Bayern, but how is all the speculation about the manager affecting his current club Bayer Leverkusen? Of course they are not happy with speculation, but it’s also part of the game.

“I can guarantee that Bayer and Xabi himself are 100% focused on this season, to make something historical, and at the moment we can see it’s not having a damaging effect on their form, which remains outstanding.

“Remember, nothing is done yet with Alonso and any other club precisely because Leverkusen are focused on winning titles, and it’s the same for Alonso.”

READ MORE: ‘My understanding is…’ – Romano outlines the view from inside Liverpool on their 2023 signings

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When Sky reported earlier this week that Bayern had opened talks with Alonso, it may have come as a big blow to Liverpool fans who feared that the Munich giants had surged ahead in the chase for the Leverkusen boss.

However, Romano’s update suggests that things haven’t progressed quite that far as of yet, and that none of the 42-year-old’s prospective suitors have made any significant advances for him while his focus is geared entirely on his team’s procession towards a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Nonetheless, the luxury of time is in ever-shorter supply for the Anfield hierarchy, with Die Werkself looking increasingly likely to be crowned champions with several matches to spare, and still no sign of a new sporting director on Merseyside to oversee the appointment of Jurgen Klopp’s eventual replacement.

It seems that Alonso’s future could be a topic of discussion for another few weeks yet, and that Liverpool may still have a realistic chance of hiring him, so long as they don’t dither with other crucial backroom hires and allow Bayern in to beat them to the punch.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield? One Liverpool star has come alive in last three months and much more!

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It’s no surprise to hear Xabi Alonso being linked with a move to Liverpool as our manager again but with Bayern Munich rumours growing stronger, Melissa Reddy has delivered an update.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, the 37-year-old said: “It will be no surprise to Liverpool, they didn’t expect to have a free run at Xabi Alonso and I don’t think any club that is trying to get the hottest young managerial prospect in Europe, will think that they are the only side in the conversation.”

READ MORE: (Image) Van Dijk appears to show off new haircut ahead of City clash

The journalist went on to say that there’s little doubt that the only stories that will be leaked about the Spaniard will be from the German champions, as they seek to rock Bayer Leverkusen’s attack on their title.

The Reds will continue to operate quietly and not make any formal announcement, especially whilst Jurgen Klopp is in the midst of a title hunt himself.

You can watch Reddy’s update on Alonso via @SkySportsNews on X:

Melissa Reddy says it will come as 'no surprise' to Liverpool that they are not the only team wanting Xabi Alonso

Bayern Munich have opened discussions with Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso about replacing Thomas Tuchel in the summer, according to Sky in Germany pic.twitter.com/BVXqGO47kR

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2024

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A reliable reporter from Germany has explained why Xabi Alonso could be set to opt for the Bayern Munich manager’s job rather than the one at Liverpool.

Following his extraordinary work at Bayer Leverkusen, who sit 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, the 42-year-old is coveted by both clubs as they seek replacements for Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp respectively.

Sky Sports News reported on Monday night that the Spaniard has ‘opened discussions’ with the Bavarian giants over the upcoming managerial vacancy at the Allianz Arena, and German journalist Florian Plettenberg has shed light on why the 2010 World Cup winner could be set to snub the Reds.

The reporter told Sky Sports‘ Transfer Update: “They have the information that, if he changes, he will go to Bayern and not Liverpool. Alonso says that Liverpool and the [Jurgen] Klopp legacy are a difficult number. You could lose more than win.”

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The task of coming in straight after Klopp is one which could be daunting for even the most experienced of managers, with the fortunes of David Moyes and Unai Emery at Manchester United and Arsenal respectively serving as cautionary tales of how hard it is to take over from a club’s legendary figure.

However, while Alonso would have the emphatic backing of the Anfield faithful and be given time and space to build a project at Liverpool, he wouldn’t be afforded the same luxuries at Bayern, where even winning the Bundesliga mightn’t be enough to keep a manager in a job.

Maybe the 42-year-old fancies a crack at taking charge of the Reds in the future but doesn’t want the dubious honour of being Klopp’s immediate successor, but the timing might never align so perfectly for him again in the future.

What if Liverpool’s next boss is a success and stays in the role for years, in which time the Spaniard’s reputation may be discoloured from brief stints at other clubs who wouldn’t grant him the patience he’d be shown on Merseyside?

Alonso’s future is obviously up to him. We just hope he makes the right decision if he decides to move on from Leverkusen at the end of this season.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield? One Liverpool star has come alive in last three months and much more!

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Sky Sports have shared some ‘big news for Liverpool fans’ regarding Xabi Alonso on Monday night.

The Bayer Leverkusen manager is the clear favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, but unfortunately the Reds could be beaten to the punch.

The broadcaster shared news from their colleagues in Germany this evening that Bayern Munich ‘have opened discussions’ with the 42-year-old as they search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel, who’s stepping down at the end of this season.

Worryingly, it was added that the Bavarian giants have ‘received a positive signal from Alonso during initial talks’, with the Spaniard set to cost between €15m (£12.8m) and €25m (£21.4m) in order to prise him from the BayArena.

Speaking live on air as the reports reached them, the Sky presenter described it as ‘big news for Liverpool fans’, and that’s not an overstatement considering the reliability of the source.

This appears to be the clearest indication yet as to the Leverkusen manager’s next move, and if the Reds were to miss out on their former midfielder, it’d represent a hammer blow in the pursuit of a successor for Klopp.

FSG must keep trying to woo Alonso, though, and be ready to pounce in case the discussions with Bayern hit an irreparable snag.

You can view the report from Sky below, via @SkySportsNews on X (formerly Twitter):

Bayern Munich have opened discussions with Xabi Alonso about replacing Thomas Tuchel as head coach in the summer, according to Sky in Germany pic.twitter.com/g1X3XaTr8Y

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 4, 2024

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A report from Germany on Monday has hinted at a potential boost for Liverpool in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso.

According to Abendzeitung, Bayern Munich – who’ve also been strongly linked with a possible swoop for the Bayer Leverkusen manager – have added another name to their shortlist of candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel.

The Bavarian giants are now considering Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as an option to take over from the former Chelsea boss, with the 45-year-old having been named Coach of the Year in Netherlands for the past two years.

READ MORE: (Video) Steve Nicol gives swift 4-word reply when asked what Liverpool must do to beat Man City

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At surface level, this news reads as a potential positive for Liverpool’s hopes of landing Alonso if Bayern’s attention is diverted towards Slot, who was linked with the Tottenham manager’s job last year before they hired Ange Postecoglou.

However, it also poses the question as to whether the Feyenoord boss could be a worthy candidate for Anfield chiefs to consider if they’re unable to lure his Leverkusen counterpart back to Merseyside.

The 45-year-old took the Rotterdam club to the Europa Conference League final in 2022 and followed that up by winning the Eredivisie title 12 months later, so he boasts a fine reputation within his homeland.

Slot has won 87 of his 137 matches in charge so far, averaging 2.09 points per game, while his preference for a 4-3-3 formation mirrors that of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool (Transfermarkt).

He’s also known for finding an ideal balance between pressing high and dropping into a low block as the situation requires, which hints at a fluid tactial flexibility (The Coaches’ Voice).

Alonso remains the preferred candidate, and LFC’s hopes of landing the Leverkusen boss could become clearer if Bayern lean increasingly towards Slot instead. However, the Dutchman might be a strong Plan B to consider if Anfield chiefs can’t lure the Spaniard.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Klopp’s successor in the Portuguese league? FSG must learn from one summer transfer and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has highlighted one ‘advantage’ that Bayern Munich could have over Liverpool in both clubs’ pursuit of Xabi Alonso as their next manager.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss is one of the hottest properties in European football right now, with his team still unbeaten in 2023/24 and eight points clear at the Bundesliga summit, and there appears to be a growing sense that he could depart the BayArena in the summer.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside on Thursday morning, the Italian reporter stated that both Bayern and LFC have the 42-year-old as a ‘priority target’ for their respective managerial vacancies in the off-season, and both have ‘already started’ internal discussions over potentially hiring him.

However, Romano pointed out where the Munich giants may have an edge, claiming: “The advantage for Bayern is that they already have a structure in place, whereas Liverpool still need to hire a new director.”

READ MORE: ‘Keep a close eye on Liverpool…’ – Romano drops transfer hint over £50k-p/w Premier League wiz

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It’s now been four weeks since Jorg Schmadtke’s brief reign as Liverpool sporting director concluded, with speculation ongoing as to who might replace him.

Romano has repeatedly stated that the vacancy must be filled before the Reds step up their search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, so you’d hope that it won’t be much longer until that critical boardroom appointment is made.

The tug-of-war between LFC and Bayern over Alonso appears to swing one way and then the other on a daily basis, with TEAMtalk reporting on Wednesday that the 42-year-old’s preference would be a move to Anfield, adding that Merseyside chiefs have even offered him a three-year contract.

At least the Italian reporter has asserted that we’re about to enter ‘a really important month’ regarding the Leverkusen manager’s future, and maybe by Easter we’ll have a clearer picture as to where the 2010 World Cup winner could be employed come the start of next season.

That could also contain a subtle hint that, hopefully, Liverpool’s sporting director search could emit some white smoke over the coming weeks.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Klopp’s successor in the Portuguese league? FSG must learn from one summer transfer and much more!

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European giants Bayern Munich are reportedly targeting one Liverpool stalwart to replace a player who could be on his way out of the Allianz Arena.

According to the Daily Mail, the Bundesliga champions have their sights set on Andy Robertson, who heads a list of candidates to fill the void left by Alphonso Davies if, as expected, the latter joins Real Madrid.

Thomas Tuchel’s side acknowledge that it won’t be easy to lure the Scotland captain from Anfield but are determined to land the best possible replacement should the $50m(£40m)-valued Canadian depart.

Bayern chiefs believe that the Liverpool defender would give them similar qualities to what their current left-back boasts and feel that Jurgen Klopp’s exit this summer could make it the right time to test their luck with the 29-year-old, who has just over two years remaining on his contract with the Reds.

READ MORE: ‘Klopp will be gluttonous’ – Chris Sutton shares Liverpool FA Cup prediction ahead of Saints clash

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It isn’t hard to see why Bayern would want Robertson to replace Davies, with the Liverpool left-back boasting a formidable tally of 73 goal contributions in 282 appearances for his current club (Transfermarkt).

Many clubs might be reluctant to invest in a player who’s on the cusp of his 30s, but that didn’t stop the Munich giants from splashing out £86.3m on Harry Kane last summer, an investment which has already rewarded them with 31 goals in as many games from the England captain (Transfermarkt).

It’s not unthinkable that the Scottish defender may seek a new challenge in the near future, having been with the Reds for nearly seven years and with Klopp moving on in the summer, but the hope is that he’ll be happy to stay put for another while yet.

If he were to leave, at least we’d have a reliable heir to the left-back role in Kostas Tsimikas, who’s deputised commendably for Robertson whenever called upon in recent campaigns.

For now, we wouldn’t panic too much about the possibility of losing our number 26, and certainly not to a club who are in as big a state of flux as Bayern, who’ll also have a new manager come the start of next season.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Klopp’s successor in the Portuguese league? FSG must learn from one summer transfer and much more!

The post European giants targeting Liverpool stalwart to replace exit-linked £40m wizard – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Xabi Alonso has been told why he should opt for a move to Liverpool at the end of the season rather than Bayern Munich.

The Spaniard is enjoying a brilliant campaign in charge of Bayer Leverkusen with his side currently eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and through to the knockout stages of the Europa League having won all six of their group games.

The 42-year-old has insisted he’s happy at Leverkusen but with Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and Thomas Tuchel moving on from Bayern in the summer too, Alonso has been linked with both of those jobs.

Former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann has warned our former No.14, however, that he won’t get as much time to succeed at the Allianz Arena than he might at Anfield.

READ MORE: (Video) ‘Massive game’ – Carragher explains how League Cup success can ‘boost’ Liverpool

Due to the financial superiority that Bayern hold over their Bundesliga rivals silverware is demanded at the club no matter how long you’ve been in the hot seat.

They’ve won the last 11 Bundesliga titles but have work to do if they’re to retain their crown this time around.

Alonso is doing a brilliant job on a shoestring budget compared to what he’d have at Bayern and Liverpool and that’s one of the main reasons why he’s the leading candidate for both of those managerial roles when they become vacant in the summer.

Liverpool’s owners and supporters will also demand success, but it will be a lot different for the Spaniard if he was to opt for a move to the Merseysiders.

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are the favourites year upon year due to the endless financial backing from their Middle-eastern owners and Klopp has therefore performed miracles to win every major trophy possible on Merseyside and to regularly challenge the Sky Blues during his tenure.

It remains to be seen what decision Alonso will make at the end of the season – he may decide to remain at Leverkusen – but he’s been warned about succeeding Tuchel in Munich.

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A leading German football reporter has claimed that Liverpool have reached out to a Bundesliga club in their search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor as Reds manager.

Xabi Alonso has been the firm favourite to take over at Anfield in the summer, although Bayern Munich also have the Bayer Leverkusen boss in their sights as they seek a replacement for Thomas Tuchel.

Taking to X on Thursday morning, Florian Plettenberg outlined that both clubs have contacted the 42-year-old’s current employers, posting: “Liverpool have also already contacted the management of Xabi Alonso! Just like Bayern! If Alonso leaves Leverkusen in the summer, it’s currently a race between Liverpool and Bayern.”

The Sky Sports reporter then teased a hint which could offer hope to Reds fans, stating: “At Bayern, they know it will be very difficult to get Alonso. But he remains the absolute desired replacement for Tuchel – as reported!”

News #Alonso: Liverpool have also already contacted the management of Xabi #Alonso! Just like Bayern!

If Alonso leaves Leverkusen in the summer, it's currently a race between Liverpool and Bayern #LFC

At Bayern, they know it will be very difficult to get Alonso.… pic.twitter.com/lzZQpk1XMX

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) February 22, 2024

READ MORE: ‘Right now…’ – Xabi Alonso publicly addresses Liverpool manager speculation

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Alonso has publicly distanced himself from speculation regarding his managerial future, reaffirming his commitment to Leverkusen in the wake of the interest from two of his former clubs as a player.

With the 42-year-old having led his current side from 17th in the Bundesliga when he took the reins in October 2022, to an eight-point lead at the summit now, it isn’t hard to see why two European giants who’ve been continental champions six times each would want him as their next manager.

The Spaniard is bound to be flattered by the interest from Liverpool and Bayern, but at the same time he must be determined not to let anything distract him in Leverkusen’s bid for a first-ever league title.

Plettenberg’s assertion that it’d be ‘very difficult’ for the Munich outfit to land Alonso may offer renewed hope to Reds fans that the coach would opt for Anfield over the Allianz Arena if it boils down to a straight choice between the two.

Only the 42-year-old himself can eventually answer the question that so many are asking in England and Germany right now – where will he be managing at the start of next season?

#Ep102 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Xabi Alonso has spoken out about the ongoing rumours linking him with the upcoming managerial vacancies at both Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel leaving their respective posts at the end of this season, two of the Spaniard’s former clubs are on the lookout for a new manager. They reportedly have the Bayer Leverkusen boss in their sights, with both having made contact with the Bundesliga leaders to that effect.

However, publicly at least, the 42-year-old is distancing himself from any such speculation, reiterating his commitment to his current employers.

In quotes shared by Fabrizio Romano on X, Alonso said: “Bayern, Liverpool? I have nothing new to say. Right now I’m Bayer Leverkusen coach and that’s certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say. Call received from Bayern? That’s only hypothetical. Again, I have nothing new to say.”

Xabi Alonso on his future: “Bayern, Liverpool? I have nothing new to say”.

“Right now I'm Bayer Leverkusen coach and that's certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say”.

“Call received from Bayern? That’s only hypotetical, again — I have nothing new to say”. pic.twitter.com/8EoAA0PAHu

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 22, 2024

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It comes as no surprise that Alonso is refusing to get drawn into any of the speculation regarding his future, particularly with his Leverkusen side on course to win a first-ever Bundesliga title, which ironically would come at the expense of Tuchel’s Bayern.

Privately he may well be tempted by the reported interest from two of the biggest clubs in world football, particularly when he’s played for both, but in public he’s proving to be every bit as professional and dignified a manager as he was during his playing days.

There have been conflicting reports of late as to whether the 42-year-old would prefer to take over on Merseyside or in Munich, and it’s likely to be some time before we get a definite answer either way.

It’s now been nearly a month since Klopp confirmed that he’d be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and we’re still no nearer to finding out who’ll have the unenviable task of succeeding him, although Alonso still seems the firm favourite despite his latest comments.

We can only watch and wait as the manager search continues throughout the spring.

#Ep102 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘Right now…’ – Xabi Alonso publicly addresses Liverpool manager speculation appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

One reliable journalist has dropped a hint as to whether Xabi Alonso is likelier to opt for Liverpool or Bayern Munich if he’s given a straight choice between two of his former clubs.

The 42-year-old is one of the hottest managerial properties in European football due to his exceptional work at Bayer Leverkusen, transforming them from relegation zone dwellers to eight-point Bundesliga leaders in just 16 months.

Two of the clubs he represented as a player are now on the lookout for new managers, with Jurgen Klopp last month announcing his intention to step away from the Reds at the end of the season and Thomas Tuchel doing likewise in Bavaria on Wednesday morning.

Writing for the Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside prior to the latter news being announced, Ben Jacobs hinted at which six-time European Cup-winning outfit Alonso is likelier to prefer.

The journalist outlined: “Bayern’s poor form is not likely to influence the process… even if [Tuchel] is fired, Liverpool feel Alonso prefers a Premier League move should he be offered the job and decide to leave Leverkusen.

“And it is an if, because Leverkusen’s form has been sensational, and they are now eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and still haven’t lost all season.

“Alonso could yet decide to stay and lead Leverkusen in the Champions League next season. But if he goes, sources indicate Bayern is not of as much appeal as Liverpool, even though Alonso is high on the list of potential Tuchel replacements.”

READ MORE: ‘In the coming weeks…’ – Liverpool fans told to ‘expect movement’ on sporting director front

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Jacobs has mentioned the potential sting in the tail for both Liverpool and Bayern, namely that Alonso might yet prefer to continue working wonders at Leverkusen even if he lands the Bundesliga title this season.

The journalist also referenced that a managerial role at another of the Spaniard’s former clubs in Real Madrid is set to open up in 2025, so the 42-year-old may ultimately have eyes on replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

Nonetheless, the indications that he’d choose Merseyside over Munich offer renewed hope to Reds fans that, two decades on from joining the club as a player, he could return as manager, taking on the unenviable task of succeeding Klopp.

It may also be helpful that Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes is reportedly being sought by Liverpool (Football Insider), and he may wish to swiftly be reunited with Alonso if he goes to Anfield.

In addition, LFC’s search for Jorg Schmadtke’s replacement is expected to accelerate soon (Jacobs), which could help to get the managerial appointment wrapped up before too long.

The Spaniard’s future is set to be a topic of much discussion for the foreseeable future, but this update from a reliable reporter could still be music to the ears of every Reds fan.

#Ep102 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘Sources indicate…’ – Journalist hints at Xabi Alonso preference between Liverpool and Bayern appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

One Liverpool-linked player could reportedly seek an exit from his current club in the summer amid a disintegrating relationship with his manager.

German outlet Bild reported that the trust between Thomas Tuchel and Joshua Kimmich is now ‘broken’ after the midfielder vented his fury following Bayern Munich’s defeat to Bochum at the weekend, getting embroiled in a row with assistant coach Zsolt Low.

The report claimed that the 29-year-old was already livid with his manager over being omitted for the recent 3-0 defeat to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, and the ongoing disharmony has seemingly led to the Germany international considering an exit route from the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

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Whether or not Kimmich would have any aspirations to join Liverpool if he were to leave Bayern in the summer is unclear, but the midfielder could be a very astute addition at Anfield if Jurgen Klopp’s successor were to bring him in.

The 29-year-old captained his club in numerous matches earlier in the season and is noted for being a leader on the pitch (Bild), while he boasts more than 450 appearances combined for the Munich giants and his country (Transfermarkt).

Another factor to consider is whether Tuchel himself will be at the Allianz Arena for much longer, with the former Chelsea boss reportedly on the brink of being jettisoned following the Bavarian giants’ recent malaise, which has left them at risk of missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012.

If the 50-year-old is sacked, Kimmich may be more inclined to remain at Bayern, depending on who’s brought into the club, amid reports that they share Liverpool’s interest in the coveted Xabi Alonso.

The midfielder’s situation in Munich could be one to keep an eye on, particularly if his team continues to falter.

#Ep102 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post Liverpool-linked leader could seek summer exit amid broken relationship with manager – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.