What Xabi Alonso has already said about becoming Liverpool manager

Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, has hinted that he would love to become the manager of the Reds. He built a strong bond with the club during his five years there, playing in both finals as Liverpool won the Champions League and FA Cup under Rafa Benitez.

After retiring from playing, Alonso started coaching Real Madrid's youth team and Real Sociedad B before becoming the manager of Bayer Leverkusen. His team is currently at the top of the Bundesliga. However, Alonso had a clear goal in mind when he started his coaching career.

In a chat with talkSPORT in 2018, Alonso was asked if he could see himself as Liverpool boss in the future. He replied: "Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare."

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"If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways," he added.

Alonso is now one of the early favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager. The Reds announced that Klopp plans to step down at the end of the season, ending his eight-and-a-half-year stint at Anfield.

In a talkSPORT interview, Alonso hinted that his old teammate Steven Gerrard might be the one to take over from Klopp. Alonso said, "I think that Stevie will go earlier than me for sure, it's the natural way," and added, "Steve is already there so it's going to be sooner rather than later I guess."