Everything Xabi Alonso has said about being new Liverpool manager as Jurgen Klopp replacement

Liverpool still have over 10 days until they are in action again. Bayer Leverkusen have slightly less. Neither side are preparing for games currently during the international break.

However, the March internationals will be the last spell Jurgen Klopp has a period of downtime in as boss at Anfield. When domestic football returns at the end of the month it will be all hands to the pump to ensure that hopes of a treble remain alive for as long as possible.

Alonso has just as much to focus on. The Bundesliga title is within reach, just a matter of wins away, whilst dreams of a European title and possible German cup are on as well.

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Yet, the international break has already turned itself towards Alonso's future speculation without much hesitation. On Tuesday, Bayer CEO Fernando Carro declared his confidence that the former Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Liverpool midfielder would not be leaving to take on Klopp's vacancy come the end of the season.

"Xabi Alonso has a contract until 2026 and there is no reason to doubt that he will stay here," he said. "In football you never know what will happen but I have a lot of trust, we have a good relationship."

It has been almost two months now since Klopp made the decision public that he would be leaving after almost a decade in charge. In that time Alonso has been the centre of attention. Here's everything the first choice Klopp replacement has said about taking over in Merseyside:

“First of all, it [Klopp’s announcement] was a surprise," he said initially when quizzed on his reaction to the bombshell in January. "But I have great respect for Jurgen, huge admiration.