I was surprised by what Xabi Alonso said about leaving Leverkusen - but Liverpool have another great choice

Former Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger has thrown his support behind Ruben Amorim to succeed Jurgen Klopp whilst backing Xabi Alonso to one day manage in the Anfield dugout.

Berger, who made 196 appearances for the Reds between 1996-2003, says he was surprised at the news that Xabi Alonso is to remain at Bayer Leverkusen next season.

The former Czech international knows what it takes to win silverware at Liverpool, having been part of Gerard Houllier’s treble-winning squad in 2001.

He recently watched on as his hometown team Sparta Prague were blown away by Liverpool in the Europa League, but is now looking ahead to what will be a summer of change at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp departs.

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“I liked the rumour that Xabi Alonso was going to be the next Liverpool manager,” the 50-year-old said, speaking to BoyleSports about the latest Premier League odds.

“He played for the club, he knows the city, he knows the fans and he has done an amazing job at Leverkusen, so I was really impressed with him and I thought he could be the right choice.

“But I was surprised that he said he was going to stay, even though it is understandable because Leverkusen gave him the opportunity to start as a manager in the Bundesliga.

“He’s still so young and he might think that the Liverpool job is too early,” Berger added. “He might think he needs more experience or more games, but I have no doubt that one day he will be managing Liverpool.”

Considering other managerial names Liverpool have been linked with, Berger said: “Ruben Amorim would be a great choice