Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has recently expressed his admiration for Bayer Leverkusen's boss Xabi Alonso. The latter has been associated with the Liverpool job following Jurgen Klopp's announcement of his departure.
Bayer Leverkusen have been performing exceptionally well this season under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. They are currently leading the Bundesliga by eight points over second-placed Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso shares a big bond with Liverpool fans
Alonso is no stranger to Liverpool fans; he scored in their iconic Champions League final win in Istanbul and is reportedly their top target to replace Klopp.
Guardiola had managed Alonso during his time at Bayern Munich and was asked if he saw potential in him moving into management back then.
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said:
"It’s a question for Liverpool, and of course, I’m not going to answer, because I don’t know the ideas that they have. But if you ask me about the job that he is doing, honestly? Wow! It’s the only team in modern football that’s unbeaten in all competitions and fighting in that way with Bayern Munich there."
In January, Jurgen Klopp revealed that he would be stepping down as the Liverpool manager at the end of this season. Citing a lack of energy and a need for a sabbatical, Klopp’s decision has sparked speculation about who will fill his shoes at Liverpool.
Guardiola thinks holding midfielders have smarter instincts
Guardiola then named four players who he had coached and thought might become great managers in the future: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Javier Mascherano.
Pep Guardiola added:
"In that moment? Yeah – there are holding midfielders, they ask you questions and how curious they are about the game."
"Normally holding midfielders like him, [Javier] Mascherano, [Sergio] Busquets – the holding midfielders I had Rodri, [Ilkay] Gundogan - they will be involved in football for sure because they have a vision for a global perspective that is different."
Pep Guardiola’s praise for Xabi Alonso not only highlights the latter’s potential but also brings attention to other promising individuals who could make significant contributions as managers in football. As we anticipate further developments regarding Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool, it will be interesting to see how these predictions play out.
