I've watched a lot of Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen - Liverpool can't just hire who is trending on social media

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen moved eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Having run out impressive 3-0 winners over Bayern Munich last week, the German outfit followed it up with a 2-1 victory away at 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the table. With the Bavarians then losing 3-2 at VfL Bochum on Sunday, Alonso’s side are looking increasingly likely of clinching a first ever Bundesliga title come May.

Leverkusen were second from bottom when the Spaniard took over as manager in October 2022. It has been one hell of a turnaround at the BayArena under Alonso, as he looks to become the first manager to stop Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga since Jurgen Klopp with Borussia Dortmund in 2011/12.

Alonso’s side are actually pursuing a treble, having booked their place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals earlier this month. Meanwhile, like Liverpool, they are already through to the Europa League round-of-16 and will find out their next opponents in the competition on Friday.

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With Klopp confirmed to be stepping down as Liverpool manager in the summer, Alonso has inevitably been linked with a return to Anfield as a possible replacement. He is seemingly the favourite for the job, with his credentials strengthening with each passing week as Leverkusen edge closer towards winning the Bundesliga.

Of course, it’s not over yet in the German top-flight. There are 12 games left to play and 36 points still up for grabs. If Leverkusen did miss out now despite their current eight-point lead, they wouldn’t be the first side to