Paul Joyce gives Xabi Alonso update that won't please Liverpool fans

Paul Joyce reports Ruben Amorim is the firm favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool as Xabi Alonso becomes unavailable

According to Paul Joyce, Ruben Amorim is the firm favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool with Xabi Alonso unavailable. Liverpool have created a shortlist of managers that includes Roberto De Zerbi but Alonso is unlikely to feature in it.

The Reds’ due diligence has suggested that Alonso could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season and continue his work. The German side are unbeaten in Europe and 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich in Bundesliga, nearing their first title.

Leverkusen has enjoyed a steep rise since appointing Alonso back in October 2022 when they stumbled into the relegation zone. The Spaniard’s success brought interest from Bayern and Real Madrid alongside Liverpool as they see his immense potential.

BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 14: Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Atalanta and Sporting CP at the Stadio di Bergamo on March 14, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images) — Ruben Amorim has achieved great success during his tenure at Sporting CP. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Joyce reported on The Times that Xabi is unlikely to feature on the shortlist of managers under consideration by Liverpool. The Spaniard wants to give at least another season to Leverkusen and continue his work at the club.

Meanwhile, the Reds also admire Sporting CP manager Amorim and Brighton & Albion Hove manager De Zerbi. Amorim is leading the Portuguese side to another Liga Portugal title but faces a stiff challenge from Benfica.

The 39-year-old has already won a league title with his current club during the 2020-21 season, ending their 19-year wait. Amorim earned a good reputation for developing young players into world-class talents and continuing to fulfil the club’s ambitions simultaneously.

The former Portuguese player uses well-balanced tactics that emphasize possessional play and good organization when the team is off-possession. He prefers a 3-4-3 formation which turns into a 5-2-2-1 formation when the team loses the possession of the ball.

🚨🇪🇸 Liverpool won’t wait anymore for Xabi Alonso — as Ruben Amorim will be an option already discussed internally, not the only one.

Bayern are prepared to wait until Xabi make official decision, but he’s expected to stay at Leverkusen until June 2025… with release clause. pic.twitter.com/3ZychLFUYe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2024

On the other hand, De Zerbi has employed a fluid and attacking style of play that has attracted many clubs. However, Brighton have faced criticism for being inconsistent this season, losing eight games and drawing nine in the Premier League.

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Liverpool fans will understand Alonso’s reason to stay at Leverkusen despite their affection for him and similar playing philosophies. Nevertheless, there are many great options and Amorim rightfully stands at the top of that list. Rest assured, things can drastically change as we reach the end of the current season and this includes the potential stance from Alonso.