Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed Xabi Alonso as the best of the new generation of managers, amid rumours that the Spaniard could take over at Anfield next season.
Alonso, who played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, who are leading the Bundesliga and unbeaten in 31 games in all competitions.
The 42-year-old has impressed with his style of play, his team selection and his transfer dealings, attracting the attention of Bayern Munich, who are looking for a replacement for Thomas Tuchel.
Klopp, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, has given his blessing for Alonso to be his successor, saying he is doing an “incredible job” at Leverkusen.
“Xabi is the standout in that department,” Klopp said. “The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it was absolutely exceptional.”
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Klopp, who was the last manager to stop Bayern from winning the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund in 2011-12, said he was amazed by how Leverkusen outplayed the German champions in both games this season, winning 3-0 at home and drawing 1-1 away.
“That is super impressive,” he said. “Not only the points tally but the way they play. Leverkusen was clearly the better side and that is rare.”
Klopp also praised Alonso’s coaching skills, saying he has quickly made his mark on the team.
“How quickly his team is so well-tuned. For the time it’s taken, he’s put his proper stamp on it,” he said.
“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.”
Alonso, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, has not commented on the speculation linking him with a return to Anfield, but he has previously said he has a “special connection” with the club and the fans.
He will have a chance to enhance his reputation further, as Leverkusen are still in contention for the Bundesliga title, the German Cup and the Europa League.
