Alonso learns his main rival to replace Klopp at Liverpool

Robin Bairner

• 23 Feb 2024 11:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Xabi Alonso remains hot favourite become Liverpool’s next manager when Jurgen Klopp stands down at the end of the season, but it appears that the Bayer Leverkusen boss has some stiff competition.

Since the announcement from Klopp that he will leave Anfield in the summer, speculation has been rife over who might take the post.

Naturally, there has been a clamour for Alonso to take the role.

His performance with Bayer Leverkusen has been exceptional. His side sit eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and are on course to win their first title in history, snapping the 11-year dominance of Bayern Munich in the process.

FCB have responded by announcing that they will part company with head coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season, throwing Alonso’s future into doubt as he is also linked with a return to the Allianz Arena, where he also starred as a player.

Liverpool are, naturally, seeking alternatives.

Tuchel and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi have both had their names thrown into the ring to become the heir to Klopp, but according to The Telegraph, there is a clear second favourite emerging.

Amorim a contender for Liverpool

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has been highly rated around Europe’s biggest clubs for some time but has yet to receive an offer for a top job. He could get that chance at Liverpool.

The Reds may have to work quickly, though. Barcelona are reportedly studying the prospect of bringing the Portuguese boss to Camp Nou to replace Xavi, who will also leave his post at the end of the season.

Manchester United are also thought to see Amorim as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag.

The 39-year-old won the Portuguese league with Sporting in 2021 and has them in a favourable position to beat Benfica to the crown this season.