Liverpool cult-hero admits pushing Xabi Alonso to succeed exit-bound Jurgen Klopp

Sander Westerveld admits he is trying to persuade Xabi Alonso to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Sander Westerveld acknowledges that he is attempting to persuade Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to succeed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Alonso is guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten season in all competitions and 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen appointed the Spaniard as their manager after their poor start last season when they dropped into the relegation zone. The 42-year-old guided the German side to a respectable finish and achieved qualification to this season’s Europa League.

Leverkusen used shrewd transfer tactics, signing quality players according to the tactical requirements of their new manager. Alonso has built a formidable team with cohesiveness and tactical fluidity, keeping them unpredictable in offence and organized in defence.

Xabi uses a 3-4-2-1 formation which shifts the shape according to the phases of play and to counter different opponents. His team uses possessional play in the defensive and midfield third while going direct in the attacking phases.

The formation deploys double-pivot of number six and two number 10s alongside attacking wingbacks and a forward. The attacking wingback can drop in an inverted role when the number 10s stretch the play by moving to the wings.

Alonso has gained tactical knowledge under world-class managers which includes Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez and Pep Guardiola. While speaking to “This is Anfield” (h/t Daily Star), Westerveld

“I might be pushing him a little bit but like he is in the press, he won’t really let go [what he’s thinking]. He’s at Leverkusen, even if he says he really wants to go Liverpool, he gets a problem!”

Klopp announced he was stepping back from the managerial role in January, citing burnout as the reason. The 56-year-old has given ample time to the Reds to implement a plan to find a worthy successor.

Despite the heartbreaking news of the impending departure of their beloved manager, fans are excited about the prospect of Alonso. The Spaniard has had a strong bond with the Kopites since his days as a Liverpool player.

More Liverpool news

• Pundit says Xabi Alonso has already decided if he wants to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
• The star, Harvey Elliott, has heavily hinted at his desire to continue with Liverpool beyond Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
• Virgil van Dijk understands there will be tears when Klopp puts the curtain down, but he is also ready for a few more shouts.

Furthermore, he has vocally accepted that he is a Liverpool fan and he has an unfinished business which is winning the Premier League with the Reds. Xabi would be welcomed wholeheartedly by the Reds fans but right now his focus is solely on Leverkusen. Liverpool fans respect and understand Alonso’s professionalism and respect towards his current club as they await some concrete news.