Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have already mooted Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp’s successor
The shock announcement that Klopp will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season after eight-and-a-half years has sent shockwaves through the Premier League
The German had told the club of his decision back in November and says he is stepping away after realising he does not have the energy to continue
Klopp said:
“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything
“But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take. It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy… I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”
There is already talk of who could replace Klopp in the dugout
Alonso has excelled in his 15 months at Bayer Leverkusen with the club four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and the manager holding a 50% win record.
Back in November on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker and Shearer tipped the Spaniard to take over as the next manager of his former club.
Shearer said:
"He [Alonso] is getting rave reviews isn’t he? He’s started his coaching and managerial career really well. It won’t be long if he keeps on going before others are starting to look at him if they haven’t already and then you never know do you?"
Lineker said:
"I think there’s every chance that once Carlo Ancelotti walks away or is pushed out as is often the case at Real Madrid, he might end up there as manager of a certain Jude Bellingham.
“Also, he could possibly follow (Jurgen) Klopp further down the line. With these things, you always do, don't you. There is always going to be (Steven) Gerrard."
Shearer added at the time:
"In 12 months time that might all change. But, it does look as though he’s going to be around for a long time at the top doesn’t he?"
Klopp signed a contract extension in 2022, which took him beyond its initial expiry date of 2024. However, with burnout a risk, the 56-year-old has decided to call time on his tenure early
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