Cesc Fabregas very clear on perfect candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss

Cesc Fabregas believes Xabi Alonso would be the ideal replacement for Jurgen Klopp when he steps down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

Alonso is among the early favourites to take over from Klopp, having impressed in his young coaching career so far. Bayer Leverkusen are currently top of the Bundesliga and two points clear of Bayern Munich under the Spaniard, having been second bottom when Alonso was given the job in October 2022.

Fabregas has laid out Alonso's credentials to take over at Anfield next season, citing his intelligence, personality, mentality and connection to the club stemming from his five seasons at Liverpool as a player.

"He's a very intelligent guy," Fabregas told the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast. "He's been up there. 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. I saw him around when he was the coach of Real Sociedad B, then now at Bayer Leverkusen. 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, meanwhile, has played down speculation about a potential move to Anfield, insisting he remains fully focused on Leverkusen and their league title bid. "Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen," he said.

"I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment. [It was a] big