The Bundesliga hasn’t witnessed a manager other than Jürgen Klopp clinching the title with a team other than Bayern Munich in recent memory. However, Klopp’s legacy might face a challenge this season.
Any discussions regarding Liverpool’s need to find a successor to Jürgen Klopp should be firmly put on hold as long as the German maestro wishes to continue leading the team. For now, the managerial reins are securely in his hands.
Yet, the day will inevitably arrive when Liverpool must grapple with the daunting task of replacing one of their greatest-ever managers. Transitioning from such a successful figure is never an easy feat.
In a rarity in modern football, Klopp’s tenure has been long enough to deter several potential contenders (even Steven Gerrard, once frequently mentioned, may now find it challenging to return to Anfield). Nevertheless, some names remain firmly in the spotlight.
One such name is Xabi Alonso, a former central midfield partner of Gerrard, who is currently making waves as the manager of Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga side has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, with some even considering it a serious challenger to Bayern Munich.
In a recent match, Leverkusen secured a 2-2 draw against the reigning German champions, dropping points for the first time this season. After four games, they currently top the table on goal difference, one point ahead of RB Leipzig and two ahead of Borussia Dortmund.
When Alonso assumed the helm in October of the previous season, Leverkusen was languishing near the relegation zone. The Spanish tactician guided his team to a sixth-place finish and a semi-final appearance in the Europa League. Despite losing their star player, Moussa Diaby, to Aston Villa over the summer, Leverkusen’s performance has remained impressive.
Although this is Alonso’s first senior managerial role, he exudes a natural aptitude for the job. Both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, have expressed interest in appointing him as their next head coach, and this comes as no surprise.
Alonso’s team plays an exhilarating, results-oriented style of football, even standing tall against formidable opponents like Harry Kane’s team. He’s already extracting the best from talented players such as Florian Wirtz and made astute summer signings to bolster his squad.
While the presence of standout individuals like Wirtz, one of German football’s emerging stars, undoubtedly contributes to Leverkusen’s success, Alonso’s managerial prowess, both in pre-match preparations and in-game decision-making, is undeniably shining through.
As always, the decision regarding Klopp’s successor will hinge largely on timing. The availability of managerial candidates at the right moment and their readiness to take on a significant role will be a crucial determinant that should not be underestimated.
