Liverpool legend Didi Hamann explains why Xabi Alonso is the perfect choice to replace Jurgen Klopp

Xabi Alonso is currently the bookmakers' favorite to become Liverpool's next manager, and one of his former teammates is not surprised. absolutely.

The Spaniard unexpectedly leads the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen ahead of Bayern Munich and is seen as the natural successor to Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp announced that he will step down at the end of the season, leaving a legacy that even the bravest managers would be tired of fulfilling.

However, former Germany international Didi Hamann is convinced his former Anfield midfield partner has what it takes.

“I think if anyone can do it it's Xabi,” Hamann told talkSPORT. “People love him, he has been a brilliant player and what he is doing at Leverkusen is exceptional.

“There is obviously a danger in going after Klopp, the pressure and expectations will be high, but I think they will have a team, if they keep them together, that will compete for the Premier League next season.

“People talk about (Roberto) De Zerbi, (Ange) Postecoglou, Liverpool It is different and he (Alonso) knows what the club is like, he is loved by the fans, for me I think he would be the ideal option. If he sees it the same way, I'm not too sure.

“If you look at Liverpool, Liverpool is a special and unique club and I think Klopp's success is down to the relationship he has had with the players, the fans and the city; he changed the mentality throughout the city.”

Alonso took up the role at BayArena in November 2022, having previously coached only Real Sociedad's youth team.

He took the German team out of the relegation fight and took them to European positions, and this season the only way has been to get promoted.

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Leverkusen are unbeaten in all competitions this season with 25 wins from 29 and a whopping 87 goals scored in that time.

Explaining what makes the team so special, Hamann said: “They just play fantastic football.

“I think what it does is give a lot of confidence to a lot of players because before they had some good players, but when he took over they were third or fourth from last place last year, in six or 12 months he turned them into titles.” contenders.

“They play Bayern Munich on Saturday, which is important, and some of the players look new. He gives them responsibility, and if he gives the players responsibility most of the time, they give it back to you.

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“In (Florian) Wirtz they probably have the best German player in their team, (Victor) Boniface, they brought him from Belgium and he is scoring goals, and they also lost four or five players in the African Cup of Nations. “Now they are slowly coming back and (what makes him special is) he is a humane manager.”

When asked if Leverkusen can do the incredible and end Bayern's 11-year winning streak in the league, Hamann added: “They have a chance, I think they will not be beaten next week and will reach the last games.” with advantage.

“If they won the league it would be sensational, and maybe if they win it they will think 'this is how far I can go, let's take on a new challenge.' Liverpool are different, can they do it? I think if anyone can do it after Klopp it will be him.”