Xabi Alonso’s high standards, adaptability and connection with Liverpool fans makes him a good successor for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, according to Cesc Fabregas.
Alonso is the early frontrunner to be named as the next manager amid his excellent work at Bayer Leverkusen over the last 16 months. If appointed, he would be the first non-British former Reds player to land the position.
Fellow Spaniard Fabregas – who won the 2010 World Cup alongside Alonso – says his ex-teammate has the right mentality to take the reins from Klopp, beyond simply his connection with fans. Speaking on the BBC Planet Premier League podcast, he said: “He’s done it all and he knows the standards that are being set at Liverpool.
“The crowd love him and also I think he’s a really good coach. He’s got good ideas. Maybe he plays slightly differently but I think he’s got adaptability.”
Leverkusen are putting together a strong Bundesliga title surge this season, with Alonso posting a win ratio of more than 80% this term. The team attains hallmarks of Klopp’s style of play with high pressing and slick movement around the penalty area but is also very tactically malleable.
“I saw him around when he was the coach of Real Sociedad B, then now at Bayer Leverkusen,” Fabregas added. “He does different things. He’s capable of adapting to the situation and to different types of players he’s got and he’s got the right mentality.
“He’s young, but the good thing about him is that he’s got very clear ideas. He’s an intelligent, stable guy and has the right personality. So it’s a big shout, but I agree that he [would be] able to do it.”
Alonso is aware of the speculation linking him to Anfield. He says he is content at Leverkusen but has refused to rule out a future switch.
He said: “To be honest, I am not in that moment, to think about the next step. I am thinking about where I am right now. I think I am in a great place and am enjoying it.
“I think it’s the right place and all that I can say. What’s going to happen in the future, I don’t know. I don’t really care at the moment.”
