Klopp: Alonso is ‘stand-out coach’ of next generation

Klopp says Alonso makes coaches like himself, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola look like ‘dinosaurs’

Jurgen Klopp has given a ringing endorsement of the manager tipped to replace him at Liverpool, describing Xabi Alonso as ‘the stand-out coach of the next generation’.
In an effusive assessment of Alonso’s job at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Klopp suggested the former Liverpool midfielder is already making elite legendary coaches like himself, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho look like ‘dinosaurs’.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” said Klopp. “That’s completely independent of the rumours around [the Liverpool job].
“If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone, ‘Oh my God’.
“Always what I said, the dinosaurs if you want, Ancelotti, Mourinho, Guardiola, maybe me, we will not do it [manage] for the next 20 years – ok maybe Mourinho, but all the rest will not.
“The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is stand-out in that department.”
Klopp deliberately sought to clarify that his praise is unconnected to Alonso being the strong favourite to succeed him at Anfield this summer, clarifying that his response is solely a reflection of the 42-year-old’s performance since moving to Germany. Klopp insists he has no influence on – nor is he seeking to anoint – his replacement.
However, such lavish praise will strengthen Alonso’s position as the outstanding candidate.
Asked what stood out about Alonso, Klopp said: “How quick his team is that well-tuned. For the time it’s taken, he’s put his proper stamp on it. Nobody knows if that is always the way he wants to play, or if it’s the way this team specifically plays. He is not long enough in the business to tell, but obviously the coaching part is exceptional. That is clear.
“A former world-class player, obviously coaching family as well which helps a little bit, he was like a coach already when he was playing.
“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did – it was absolutely exceptional. I played a long time in my life in the Bundesliga, that is super-impressive. Not only the points tally, but the way they play. Both games against Bayern (Munich), Leverkusen was clearly the better side.”
Klopp also claimed the manner in which Leverkusen defeated Bayern is more impressive than that of the Borussia Dortmund side which the Liverpool manager led to two Bundesliga titles.
“To be honest when we beat Bayern at Dortmund, it was a bit of very well defended, counter-attack and taking the momentum,” said Klopp.
“Especially at the beginning. It was defending better and trying to be brave at certain moments. But Leverkusen was better. That was probably the real surprise given the short time he was there and it’s a young team.
“He has super signings for this team – exactly what they needed- and that’s really a very special job. Everybody would say exactly the same. In Germany, they talk like, ‘Wow, that is really impressive’, especially as they are also in the semi-final of the German Cup. There is only one other Bundesliga team in it if Gladbach wins. So Leverkusen has a very good chance to win the cup. Obviously when you look through the Europa League, Leverkusen is one of the favourites there as well so that could be the season for Leverkusen. Really crazy.”
Would Xabi Alonso be a good fit for Liverpool 🤔#MNF pic.twitter.com/3Uizb3TasK
Despite Alonso being the frontrunner since Klopp announced his shock departure, Liverpool maintain that their recruitment process is ongoing.
Alonso’s excellence in Germany is both a major attraction and short-term complication given Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group will be diligent in ensuring they do not distract a much admired young coach and his club on the threshold of a startling sporting success.
That means diplomacy is required if – or more likely when – official channels are opened. Liverpool will be acutely aware of recent examples in which clumsy and badly timed moves have scuppered appointment plans. One such instructive example is when Newcastle United prematurely suggested they had lured Unai Emery from Villarreal in 2021. The Spanish coach was still contemplating his future amid a series of key games for his club, and ruled himself out when the official approach from St James’ Park was leaked without his permission.
While Liverpool’s admiration for Alonso is an open secret, one superstar who will definitely not be heading to Anfield this summer is Kylian Mbappe.
Klopp said the financial package means few clubs can afford the striker.
“Obviously, I’m not involved in that, but I can tell you I’d be surprised if all the top clubs were [trying to sign him],” said Klopp.
“The top clubs I know, for most of them it will be tricky – wages, signing-on fee.”