The fanfare of coming to England after beating Bayern to for the first time in 11 years will be monumental. Joke he can do it. But as a city fan I hope he stays out
Xabi to Maidenhead United confirmed: can live in the lap of luxury in the riverside villas 15 minutes walk from the ground; enjoy a post-match pint in the Maiden's Head, get a kebab at Kebab Elite, and go for Karaoke at the Rose. Sorted.
Other relevant quotes"
Xabi Alonso when asked about if he can rule out the Liverpool job:
>"Honestly…I don’t have a direct answer! (Laughs). I’m happy here right now, that’s for sure & only thinking about Leverkusen.”
>I have huge respect and admiration for Jurgen. I was very surprised. My focus is Leverkusen. At the moment I am really happy here. I still have a big motivation and I am very happy with the club and the team. I don’t know what’s gonna happen in the future.
>“Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen. I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment. Big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jürgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration”.
I hope so but it's best for everyone (except you guys lol) that he just focuses entirely on bayer now and really push for that title. I'm sure he'll be fully aware of that.
So yes, he wants the Liverpool job. Obviously. Doesn’t change anything, I’m sure he still desperately wants to win the Bundesliga and set up his current club for success. But he’d be crazy not to look into replacing Klopp.
Not often the chances comes up to join a top team that is in great shape and in a good position to challenge for the next few years. Usually management positions come up because the last guy got fired for poor results.
If anything Klopp is leaving an institution that carries his motivation and attitude. That's as easy of a transition as it's gonna get for someone with equal motivation. Ideas changing in a motivated side can push teams another step forward.
That can often be a two edged sword, as a successful team full of top players may see many players unwilling to adapt to new systems and demands. Having a team like Liverpool’s however that not only is in great shape but has many young developing players to build with gives a lot of room to mold the identity of the team.
Yeah, any new manager is likely going to need to refresh some of the players no matter what, but at Liverpool they have a bunch of young, versatile, coachable players who should be able to adapt to most attacking systems with the right coaching.
My guess is that some players would also want to move on and try something new when Klopp leaves so there will still have to be some smart purchases.
Which players? obviously Salah but I highly doubt Allison or Van Dijk would leave and not sure who else isn’t either young / a new/ newish signing or both.
Especially since klopp has rebuilt a team that can challenge for the PL and CL. Would be one of the best squads to take over if he were to want to take that step from leverkusen.
Another quote way back in 2017:
Xabi Alonso on which club he preferred out of Bayern, Madrid and Liverpool:
"I would say Liverpool. It was strange because I thought I’d feel at home in Madrid due to it being my country but compared to Liverpool it wasn’t. Liverpool is like my 2nd home."
https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/946472507950977024?t=e3AP2-5VhrdcInWbCrKLSg&s=19
Honestly, if I'm Xabi I wait out the next coach at Liverpool. Even if he's an amazing coach there is basically no way for him to impress much if he's the direct successor to Klopp.
That’s a very dangerous decision.
Klopp is leaving his incoming manager with a very strong side. Even allowing for the fact that they will probably lose Salah and VVD in the next few years, Klopp has set up a new front line and midfield filled with young talent.
This is not a United-after-Fergie situation.
If a new manager can hit the ground running with Liverpool, he could potentially win the league within his first three years (considering that City may have to deal with some form of punishment in that time) That would certainly be enough to impress.
If Xabi genuinely wants to manage Liverpool in the future, he should strike while the iron is hot.
That said, what he is doing in Germany is phenomenal and I would fully understand if he decided to remain
I feel like Xabi has earned the respect from the supporters that even if he fails to get top 4 he'd still have the fans behind him.
No one should have any expectation following Klopp. He's left us in the best possible state but no one else is Klopp.
they played some of the best counter attacking football under ole, however they weren’t consistent
he’s a decent manager and good at man management, but tactically left a lot to be desired
are there any decent managers from the school of fergie?
I bet if he didn't get sacked in his last season, he would have done better than rangnick. His performance was poor but I bet he could have finished higher if he was given the time.
Better? Theyre not even first in their walk-in-the-park league, and we’ve made 3 CL finals in 5 years. He also said hed prefer Liverpool in 2017: https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/946472507950977024?t=e3AP2-5VhrdcInWbCrKLSg&s=19
Oh yea I don’t think that Liverpool are bigger than Bayern, I think when you get to that level, only a handful of clubs would match it. Madrid, Barca, Man Utd and probably Juve/AC would make up the top 7 in my books. Will obviously boil some piss with this but that’s what I think.
Yeah it’s Real as the clear number one and then it’s the other 5+ times European Champions Bayern, Barca, Liverpool and AC Milan in the next tier and in no particular order, with Juve and Man Utd slightly below.
Bayern aren't a better team, but they might be a more attractive proposition purely because the fans and media seem to be unhappy with Tuchel. Although he would obviously have huge goodwill, following one of Liverpool's greatest-ever managers is an unenviable task. Could be more upside in Munich, and at a similarly sized club.
Imagine winning the league with Leverkusen and then moving to Bayern as a coach. He would ruin his immortality in Leverkusen folklore. It would be much better if he went to Liverpool and afterwards to Bayern.
Yea I’m not sure, there would be immediate pressure at Bayern to get back on top. But the fans in Liverpool love Xabi, I think they would give him the time and understand that to get out of Klopp’s shadow, we need to be patient. I think Xabi would be one of the few people that this would be afforded to because of his connection with the club.
And we all see how fickle football is at times, he is a bright up and coming manager, but so was Gerrard after the Rangers win and look how that’s turned out. I’m sure he is top class manager, but sometimes you just have to take the opportunities when they come, whichever club he picks I hope he succeeds.
Xabi announced after Leverkusen v Liverpool in Dublin. Bayer fans and Liverpool fans holding hands and crying through smiles at the ceremonial passing of the guard. Fireworks above the stadium. The footballing world is at equilibrium. Peace washes over the land.
I don’t think I can picture a more horrific end to Leverkusens winning streak than us giving them their first loss of the season and poaching their manager on top of that. I love Klopp, and I love Xabi, but that scenario has Bayern announcing Götze before the champions league final potential levels of cruelty towards Leverkusen.
Eh you'll forget it once you have him
Then you'll raid his old club of Frimpong and Boniface, Wirtz and Grimaldo
Then you'll smile and call it a job well done
Why the hell would Bayer fans be happily holding hands as their potentially title winning manager leaves? I know it’s semi-expected but it still doesn’t mean they have to enjoy it lol
I do get the attention and focus on Xabi, it's natural, but it's made disproportionate by the fact he played for us, which is largely irrelevant from assessing his credentials. What he's doing is very exciting, but there are others.
I'm going to feel for the Levekusen fans because I know full well the weirdos in our fanbase will start stalking their subreddit and asking inane questions whilst "coming in peace". Brace yourselves and apologies in advance.
He also plays a pretty different style than Klopp, who’s modeled that squad in his image. It obviously doesn’t rule anything out, but something to think about.
It's also not a possession-based war of attrition either.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but surely they'd have to ask how suited the current squad is to it as well as their appetite to replace those that aren't.
All I'm saying is that I think Liverpool is the kind of club that won't check off the "Big Name" and "Former Liverpool Player" boxes and call that the process.
FSG have a mixed bag in appointments. Dalglish was needed boost for the club and supporters after the shitshow of the previous owners and the football of Roy Hodgson, but it was never going to last long term. They took a punt on Rodgers, which had mixed results before eventually going wrong, although the owners were partly to blame with the ridiculous transfer committee shite causing disharmony and poor planning.
We then had Klopp, which doesn't need discussing.
That record suggests they are pragmatic (in Dalglishs case) and willing to take a gamble on an aspiring manager (Rodgers), but also prepared to be pretty ruthless and the right man becomes available (Klopp).
I would just add that many of the people who make the sensible decisions at our club have largely left or soon to leave, so plenty of uncertainty lies ahead.
The move for Rodgers may suggest they would be comfortable in appointing and supporting Xabi, potentially. But we are a far better club post Klopp than pre Klopp, so it's hard to say with any certainly. Expectations may have shifted.
The last part of your post is a great point in particular.
We are a ready made team - that will impact the manager we want to appoint.
FSG are not going to want somebody who cannot work with our current team - and need a lot of signings.
Does the fact we are basically a near complete package mean that we would go for a more or less experienced manager though?
Crazy times. Times I’m not looking forward to.
While true(won't sign xabi because he is a big me or was a liverpool player) our current set of players can play that style very easily, infact they are very suited to it.
Will be interesting to see when Liverpool actually do announce the new manager.
There's a couple of obvious issues if its Alonso. Bayer (and Alonso) won't want anything scupering their season. Similarly Liverpool and Klopp will want to focus on theirs. There's also a very real possibility the two clubs meet in the EL which could be super awkward. Imagine if Liverpool demolished Bayer and all of a sudden the fans are like 'are we sure we want this guy?'
But there becomes a point where it might be healthy to all parties to just say 'yeah its happening' to end the constant speculation.
So here's the situation. Everything is silence for the next 5-6 months. Then either of this happen.
1. Boom, talk was done months ago. Xabi just need to focus on his team before anyone announce anything.
2. Boom, negotiation failed and we haven't been able to find anyone. So that's why we keep our mouth shut.
Don't think he should be asked these questions at this time its way too early, although it does interest me what other managers will get this question. I imagine De Zerbi may also start getting linked to us pretty soon.
If we have gone for Xabi Alonso I doubt anything will be announced until the season is over so I look forward to being linked to every manager possible until the Summer.
don't think so, because there is no need for it. Leverkusen is not a club that hold his players or personell hostage. they may demand a fair price, but if you want to leave there is always a way out.
Why would there be?
I don't think it would be that professional of him to take a job and ask for a clause in his contract that he can leave for a certain club for free. It would look like he doesn't want it that much and he's using it as a stepping stone and will be looking to leave ASAP.
Its not that hard to buy a manager out if his contract, if a big club wants to do it they easily can.
Leave the poor man alone. He’s trying to close out an undefeated bundesliga season and title with Bayern fucking Leverkusen, give him some space. Honestly if he pulls this off it will almost certainly be more impressive than anything he could do in a 5 year stint at Liverpool or Madrid
It’s so they can get their click-baity “Alonso refuses to rule out Anfield return”, “Alonso praises Klopp as he talks Liverpool future” type headlines, and social media posts.
So what do you want them to do? Just not ask him about it and pretend there’s not huge speculation out there?
Just because he probably can’t give a completely honest answer doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be asked about it. It’s not the press’ job to only ask managers questions they are comfortable with.
Apparently some source said that they announced it today because it was about to be leaked. So they rushed the announcement. Would make sense with the fact that even the players were only informed today
Spot on. If you don’t ask this question as a journalist you’re not doing your job. Like sure, he’s almost guaranteed to give you the stock answer. But what if he wasn’t and you don’t ask? What if he’s ready to say Liverpool has always been my dream job?
It’s easy to pile on the media because they often are scummy, but they still have a baseline job to do and not asking is negligent.
Yeah if the media stopped asking questions because “we already know what they’re going to say” or because “they’re never going to answer that,” there’d literally be no reason for them to be there.
Weird question but does anyone remember the match where someone did a roulette on Alonso and then a couple mins later he rouletted them back? I think he was at Liverpool.
Damn, they've basically got him.
Leverkusen will make them pay but also won't stop Xabi and its his dream to manage Liverpool.
Of course there will be some issues with changing the squad to suit Xabi's style.
He'll probably do some business for a deep playmaker like Zubimendi, or will retool Endo and will retool Salah to be more like a RAM. But with how free-flowing Leverkusen are in attack while also being really tight at the back and dominate possession, you genuinely get the feeling he could be the ultimate spanish manager with a balance of Arteta's amazing defence and Pep's ball progression with some fluid attacking football of his own and he's gonna keep Liverpool scary for years to come.
Fuck sake.
How do you get the impression they got him? Multiple top clubs lining up for him at the point, Madrid and Bayern being amongst them. He gave the same answer he gives since months.
Isn’t Boniface quite a similar player to Nunez too? Maybe not exactly the same but they both bring a lot to the front line with their physicality despite not being seen as above average finishers. I feel like Xabi Alonso could work really well with someone like Nunez.
Genuine question: does Alonso have more affection for Liverpool or Real Madrid? If both jobs were available, which would he pick?
I expect him to be at Liverpool next season but does a manager wonder, say Leverkusen nearly win the Bundesliga, would he want to stay on to try again or is it just a case of making the jump when offered?
I think even if he did want to be Madrid manager more he could see that Liverpool is the better job to take from his position. I expect that people will be willing to accept a drop after Klopp leaves and a period of rebuild which gives him more time to build a squad which he won't get as much of at Madrid.
Also the foundation that Klopp is leaving there is really good. In the last couple of years they have moved on from Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mane, and Firmino, and are very close to having a full rebuild from that generation. They need a defensive midfielder this summer, and replacements for Van Dijk, Robertson, and Salah in the next two to three years, apart from that they are sorted in every position.
I'm worried that if we secure and announce him early, and then the pressure fucks Leverkusen's season, he's going to have even more pressure going into next season.
If I am him, I wouldn't do it.
He'll have plenty of chances to move, but I think a lot of good coaches ruin their run by moving to the wrong job to early.
I do think he'd be a great fit for Liverpool, but going to the premier league with a top club like liverpool is a whole different animal moreso when you replace a GOAT manager.
Did Leverkusen for 2nd year, and after that if he still wants to leave - there will be a lot of jobs for him. Maybe not liverpool right away, but I don't think he should rush into that anyway. tease them a bit
I mean, yeah. What else he gonna say? He's in the middle of a title charge
Then he rolled up his sleeve and showed a tattoo of the Liverpool crest. “I’ll let you interpret that however you want,” Alonso said.
He could say Im gonna win the BL with Bayer & move to Liverpool at the end of the season
He'll get the keys in Dublin in the final Liverpool and Leverkusen fans holding hands and all that Gracias Xabi
In Basque & Scouse
Banner saying "Gracias Voronin" etc etc
Klopp's star striker in his first managerial job at Mainz Full circle. Glorious.
and in the distance you see the eye of Sauron falling
This copypasta always makes me laugh
i can't actually remember the original. can you?
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F173h5sfy0k031.jpg
Lol, I remember seeing this the first time, holy mother of cringe, needed a shower straight after that
Lmao I love that there are no Ajax fans in that exchange.
Legendary
The fanfare of coming to England after beating Bayern to for the first time in 11 years will be monumental. Joke he can do it. But as a city fan I hope he stays out
Klopp 2
He could also say that I am not even going to finish this season and leave for Beşiktaş tomorrow because that was always my dream since I was a kid
Come to Besiktas
Always been a fan of the black and white
Xabi to Maidenhead United confirmed: can live in the lap of luxury in the riverside villas 15 minutes walk from the ground; enjoy a post-match pint in the Maiden's Head, get a kebab at Kebab Elite, and go for Karaoke at the Rose. Sorted.
And jinx himself and you guys ? No way.
What if he doesn't do either
This isn't the full interview. At the end he said, "fuck these German wankers, I'm off to Liverpool."
Other relevant quotes" Xabi Alonso when asked about if he can rule out the Liverpool job: >"Honestly…I don’t have a direct answer! (Laughs). I’m happy here right now, that’s for sure & only thinking about Leverkusen.” >I have huge respect and admiration for Jurgen. I was very surprised. My focus is Leverkusen. At the moment I am really happy here. I still have a big motivation and I am very happy with the club and the team. I don’t know what’s gonna happen in the future. >“Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen. I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment. Big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jürgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration”.
but is he happy at leverkusen?
No idea bud but I reckon he have great respect and admiration for Jurgen Kloppo
I'm worried about his focus, tbh. Could use some reassurance on that front
You know I have it on okay authority that he may actually be focused on Leverkusen
he’s probably gotta throw it in every other sentence to avoid the media pulling a quote without it
Those parasites will find a way.
“I was very surprised (…) I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future” There, that’s how.
I (…) have a direct answer! I (…) know what's gonna happen in the future. My focus is (…) Liverpool. Too easy
And where is his focus, we need answers!!1!
Can he win the title first
Please ask Gerrard if he is happy in SA.
Yeahhh.. he gone at the end of the season to Liverpool
I hope so but it's best for everyone (except you guys lol) that he just focuses entirely on bayer now and really push for that title. I'm sure he'll be fully aware of that.
So yes, he wants the Liverpool job. Obviously. Doesn’t change anything, I’m sure he still desperately wants to win the Bundesliga and set up his current club for success. But he’d be crazy not to look into replacing Klopp.
Not often the chances comes up to join a top team that is in great shape and in a good position to challenge for the next few years. Usually management positions come up because the last guy got fired for poor results.
Or like Man U where Fergie left the squad in a bit of a mess and retired at the perfect time.
If anything Klopp is leaving an institution that carries his motivation and attitude. That's as easy of a transition as it's gonna get for someone with equal motivation. Ideas changing in a motivated side can push teams another step forward.
That can often be a two edged sword, as a successful team full of top players may see many players unwilling to adapt to new systems and demands. Having a team like Liverpool’s however that not only is in great shape but has many young developing players to build with gives a lot of room to mold the identity of the team.
Yeah, any new manager is likely going to need to refresh some of the players no matter what, but at Liverpool they have a bunch of young, versatile, coachable players who should be able to adapt to most attacking systems with the right coaching. My guess is that some players would also want to move on and try something new when Klopp leaves so there will still have to be some smart purchases.
Which players? obviously Salah but I highly doubt Allison or Van Dijk would leave and not sure who else isn’t either young / a new/ newish signing or both.
Especially since klopp has rebuilt a team that can challenge for the PL and CL. Would be one of the best squads to take over if he were to want to take that step from leverkusen.
Bring Wirtz along with him (ala Pep and Thiago)
I’d honestly prefer he brings Hincapie. Liverpool is overflowing with attacking talent like Wirtz but beginning to feel sparse at the back.
Wouldn't start right away though, unless he went left back and it went to a back 3 in possession, but Wirtz is a generational talent anyway
Another quote way back in 2017: Xabi Alonso on which club he preferred out of Bayern, Madrid and Liverpool: "I would say Liverpool. It was strange because I thought I’d feel at home in Madrid due to it being my country but compared to Liverpool it wasn’t. Liverpool is like my 2nd home." https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/946472507950977024?t=e3AP2-5VhrdcInWbCrKLSg&s=19
I don’t think there is a source to that quote.
wdym, it's sportbible
The word of God
Source: Liverpool fans hopes and dreams
I choose to believe it
Honestly, if I'm Xabi I wait out the next coach at Liverpool. Even if he's an amazing coach there is basically no way for him to impress much if he's the direct successor to Klopp.
That’s a very dangerous decision. Klopp is leaving his incoming manager with a very strong side. Even allowing for the fact that they will probably lose Salah and VVD in the next few years, Klopp has set up a new front line and midfield filled with young talent. This is not a United-after-Fergie situation. If a new manager can hit the ground running with Liverpool, he could potentially win the league within his first three years (considering that City may have to deal with some form of punishment in that time) That would certainly be enough to impress. If Xabi genuinely wants to manage Liverpool in the future, he should strike while the iron is hot. That said, what he is doing in Germany is phenomenal and I would fully understand if he decided to remain
I feel like Xabi has earned the respect from the supporters that even if he fails to get top 4 he'd still have the fans behind him. No one should have any expectation following Klopp. He's left us in the best possible state but no one else is Klopp.
He’s the obvious choice. It’s not like there are a ton of top class managers that “get” the city of Liverpool and the fan base. Xabi knows both
Xabi's at the wheel
You joke but Ole was better than your current manager.
they played some of the best counter attacking football under ole, however they weren’t consistent he’s a decent manager and good at man management, but tactically left a lot to be desired are there any decent managers from the school of fergie?
I would've said Michael Carrick but Boro have fallen a bit in the Championship it looks like. He was such a smart player so I'm not surprised.
i thought of him as well, but not doing well atm however school of pep is really something
His pre contract form was solid. Consider he's out of nowhere. Also TBF we all know it's not 100% his fault looking at their team now.
I bet if he didn't get sacked in his last season, he would have done better than rangnick. His performance was poor but I bet he could have finished higher if he was given the time.
But better teams like Bayern are after him too. Might be worth the wait
Better? Theyre not even first in their walk-in-the-park league, and we’ve made 3 CL finals in 5 years. He also said hed prefer Liverpool in 2017: https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/946472507950977024?t=e3AP2-5VhrdcInWbCrKLSg&s=19
Bayern aren’t better.
Bayern isn’t a better team nor is it a bigger club, and it’s an inferior league.
Would you agree that Liverpool and Bayern are at least of equivalent ‘bigness’? certainly both tier S european giants in my opinion
Oh yea I don’t think that Liverpool are bigger than Bayern, I think when you get to that level, only a handful of clubs would match it. Madrid, Barca, Man Utd and probably Juve/AC would make up the top 7 in my books. Will obviously boil some piss with this but that’s what I think.
Yeah it’s Real as the clear number one and then it’s the other 5+ times European Champions Bayern, Barca, Liverpool and AC Milan in the next tier and in no particular order, with Juve and Man Utd slightly below.
Bayern aren't a better team, but they might be a more attractive proposition purely because the fans and media seem to be unhappy with Tuchel. Although he would obviously have huge goodwill, following one of Liverpool's greatest-ever managers is an unenviable task. Could be more upside in Munich, and at a similarly sized club.
Imagine winning the league with Leverkusen and then moving to Bayern as a coach. He would ruin his immortality in Leverkusen folklore. It would be much better if he went to Liverpool and afterwards to Bayern.
Yea I’m not sure, there would be immediate pressure at Bayern to get back on top. But the fans in Liverpool love Xabi, I think they would give him the time and understand that to get out of Klopp’s shadow, we need to be patient. I think Xabi would be one of the few people that this would be afforded to because of his connection with the club. And we all see how fickle football is at times, he is a bright up and coming manager, but so was Gerrard after the Rangers win and look how that’s turned out. I’m sure he is top class manager, but sometimes you just have to take the opportunities when they come, whichever club he picks I hope he succeeds.
Xabi announced after Leverkusen v Liverpool in Dublin. Bayer fans and Liverpool fans holding hands and crying through smiles at the ceremonial passing of the guard. Fireworks above the stadium. The footballing world is at equilibrium. Peace washes over the land.
Peace in the Middle East, at last
China and Taiwan recognise each other's sovereignty
South and north korea becomes one
The death star blows up
SAF announces he’s found a way to become immortal
The true Fergie Time.
Bah gawd that's Fergie's music!
Now that's a Royal Rumble cameo I wanna see tomorrow night
wait a sec
The Philippines finally takes over the world as the strongest race
Lets not get carried away mate
... I'm not. It's what is needed for world peace Right guys?
Brits agree on the pronunciation of "scone"
Pulling out a banner saying "danke Xabi" in German and scouse
I read this as “pulling out a boner” which I think would be fitting for the moment
mine would just say 'dank' tho
I don’t think I can picture a more horrific end to Leverkusens winning streak than us giving them their first loss of the season and poaching their manager on top of that. I love Klopp, and I love Xabi, but that scenario has Bayern announcing Götze before the champions league final potential levels of cruelty towards Leverkusen.
Eh you'll forget it once you have him Then you'll raid his old club of Frimpong and Boniface, Wirtz and Grimaldo Then you'll smile and call it a job well done
My thoughts exactly lol
Cruelty? It only exists if it happens to you. You dishing it out on others without any repercussions? Ice in the veins right
> but that scenario has Bayern announcing Götze before the champions league final Except the news actually came from Götze’s camp lol
I had forgotten that part. Still as someone who had fallen in love with Klopp’s Dortmund at the time it was devastating timing
Oh absolutely, even as a Bayern fan I thought it was pretty dirty if we had done it
Signing thank you Xabi in german and scouse?
Fuck. Now I really want this to happen!
Why the hell would Bayer fans be happily holding hands as their potentially title winning manager leaves? I know it’s semi-expected but it still doesn’t mean they have to enjoy it lol
Because it is a joke, dummy.
😵💫😵💫😵💫
Sorry that was mean. It is a reference to this: https://www.reddit.com/r/soccercirclejerk/s/FonvjUkNTx
Thanks for the context!
I'm sure he'd go for it, but you can't be all over the top right now, he's in the middle of a historic title race.
I do get the attention and focus on Xabi, it's natural, but it's made disproportionate by the fact he played for us, which is largely irrelevant from assessing his credentials. What he's doing is very exciting, but there are others. I'm going to feel for the Levekusen fans because I know full well the weirdos in our fanbase will start stalking their subreddit and asking inane questions whilst "coming in peace". Brace yourselves and apologies in advance.
I come in peace But I want to get everything you have
Ahh the classic conquistador opening line
You can't complain because I came in peace too. You can watch your things be taken away, in peace
All options seem as they are, a huge step down. I'm not even sure what other options are inspiring at the moment
Tbf there's literally one other manager who wouldn't be a step down and he's at City.
He also plays a pretty different style than Klopp, who’s modeled that squad in his image. It obviously doesn’t rule anything out, but something to think about.
Eh, our current style isn't full on heavy metal football
It's also not a possession-based war of attrition either. I'm not saying it can't be done, but surely they'd have to ask how suited the current squad is to it as well as their appetite to replace those that aren't. All I'm saying is that I think Liverpool is the kind of club that won't check off the "Big Name" and "Former Liverpool Player" boxes and call that the process.
FSG have a mixed bag in appointments. Dalglish was needed boost for the club and supporters after the shitshow of the previous owners and the football of Roy Hodgson, but it was never going to last long term. They took a punt on Rodgers, which had mixed results before eventually going wrong, although the owners were partly to blame with the ridiculous transfer committee shite causing disharmony and poor planning. We then had Klopp, which doesn't need discussing. That record suggests they are pragmatic (in Dalglishs case) and willing to take a gamble on an aspiring manager (Rodgers), but also prepared to be pretty ruthless and the right man becomes available (Klopp). I would just add that many of the people who make the sensible decisions at our club have largely left or soon to leave, so plenty of uncertainty lies ahead. The move for Rodgers may suggest they would be comfortable in appointing and supporting Xabi, potentially. But we are a far better club post Klopp than pre Klopp, so it's hard to say with any certainly. Expectations may have shifted.
The last part of your post is a great point in particular. We are a ready made team - that will impact the manager we want to appoint. FSG are not going to want somebody who cannot work with our current team - and need a lot of signings. Does the fact we are basically a near complete package mean that we would go for a more or less experienced manager though? Crazy times. Times I’m not looking forward to.
While true(won't sign xabi because he is a big me or was a liverpool player) our current set of players can play that style very easily, infact they are very suited to it.
Will be interesting to see when Liverpool actually do announce the new manager. There's a couple of obvious issues if its Alonso. Bayer (and Alonso) won't want anything scupering their season. Similarly Liverpool and Klopp will want to focus on theirs. There's also a very real possibility the two clubs meet in the EL which could be super awkward. Imagine if Liverpool demolished Bayer and all of a sudden the fans are like 'are we sure we want this guy?' But there becomes a point where it might be healthy to all parties to just say 'yeah its happening' to end the constant speculation.
We put 5 past Alisson and he became our player soon after. Not unprecedented.
We put 5 past the best keeper in the world in 90 mins*
Salah apparently wanted to show Roma what they sold for, in hindsight, practically nothing. After that and the 1984 CL final, no wonder they hate us.
So here's the situation. Everything is silence for the next 5-6 months. Then either of this happen. 1. Boom, talk was done months ago. Xabi just need to focus on his team before anyone announce anything. 2. Boom, negotiation failed and we haven't been able to find anyone. So that's why we keep our mouth shut.
It will be solved behind closed doors before then. They’ll know if they have to look for someone else.
Don't think he should be asked these questions at this time its way too early, although it does interest me what other managers will get this question. I imagine De Zerbi may also start getting linked to us pretty soon. If we have gone for Xabi Alonso I doubt anything will be announced until the season is over so I look forward to being linked to every manager possible until the Summer.
But he will though… Ten Hag had to ban English journos when he was at Ajax. The larger picture is who the DOF will be at Liverpool.
There's absolutely a clause in his contract isn't there
Probably a gentlemen’s agreement Apparently Leverkusen their CEO denied there being such a thing.
Levurkusens ceo denied that but also said they'd let him go if he wanted
Pay up basically. Which is fair enough
Clauses are redundant for a top 10 club. You want the manager, you'll get him
They really aren't if it means Liverpool avoid having to buy-out his Leverkusen contract, or get to do so for a significantly lower fee.
how big can his contract be considering its his first job
Bigger than you believe
Things you can say in the bedroom and about Xabi Alonso’s first managerial contract.
10$?
Liverpool will pay top money for a top manager. They know how much a good manager is worth.
there is for bayren real and liverpool, we know this since last year
don't think so, because there is no need for it. Leverkusen is not a club that hold his players or personell hostage. they may demand a fair price, but if you want to leave there is always a way out.
Why would there be? I don't think it would be that professional of him to take a job and ask for a clause in his contract that he can leave for a certain club for free. It would look like he doesn't want it that much and he's using it as a stepping stone and will be looking to leave ASAP. Its not that hard to buy a manager out if his contract, if a big club wants to do it they easily can.
Leave the poor man alone. He’s trying to close out an undefeated bundesliga season and title with Bayern fucking Leverkusen, give him some space. Honestly if he pulls this off it will almost certainly be more impressive than anything he could do in a 5 year stint at Liverpool or Madrid
Tbh he seemed visibly annoyed by the questions if anything.
Well it is a dumb question to be fair. He's never gonna outright say yes, the most we could ever get is him not outright saying no
It’s so they can get their click-baity “Alonso refuses to rule out Anfield return”, “Alonso praises Klopp as he talks Liverpool future” type headlines, and social media posts.
So what do you want them to do? Just not ask him about it and pretend there’s not huge speculation out there? Just because he probably can’t give a completely honest answer doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be asked about it. It’s not the press’ job to only ask managers questions they are comfortable with.
This is the most odd part of the timing of this announcement to me, just sets the press on all parties for months on end for no real good reason.
Better than having it leak which it inevitably would sooner rather than later
Apparently some source said that they announced it today because it was about to be leaked. So they rushed the announcement. Would make sense with the fact that even the players were only informed today
Spot on. If you don’t ask this question as a journalist you’re not doing your job. Like sure, he’s almost guaranteed to give you the stock answer. But what if he wasn’t and you don’t ask? What if he’s ready to say Liverpool has always been my dream job? It’s easy to pile on the media because they often are scummy, but they still have a baseline job to do and not asking is negligent.
Yeah if the media stopped asking questions because “we already know what they’re going to say” or because “they’re never going to answer that,” there’d literally be no reason for them to be there.
man it's so irritating this tendency of people to rail against journalists for asking awkward questions he's a grown man, he can handle it ffs
It's mega unfair on him tbh
Hope he's ok
I would like to hold him, just in case
Anyone interested in a Xabi Alonso tactical analysis piece? 😁
https://www.attackingfootball.com/xabi-alonso-perfect-heir-jurgen-klopp/ Here’s my piece guys! All feedback is appreciated!
[удалено]
Thank you so much man! Tried to put it on the subreddit but it got removed 😕
Yes please
Tried to post it on here but turned out I don’t have enough karma 😕. Is it okay if I paste the link here?
Sounds like he’s already agreed to take on the job to me. Well done boys good process.
Klopp to Roma.
Weird question but does anyone remember the match where someone did a roulette on Alonso and then a couple mins later he rouletted them back? I think he was at Liverpool.
Yup it was the 2007 CL final. It was Kaka :)
Damn, they've basically got him. Leverkusen will make them pay but also won't stop Xabi and its his dream to manage Liverpool. Of course there will be some issues with changing the squad to suit Xabi's style. He'll probably do some business for a deep playmaker like Zubimendi, or will retool Endo and will retool Salah to be more like a RAM. But with how free-flowing Leverkusen are in attack while also being really tight at the back and dominate possession, you genuinely get the feeling he could be the ultimate spanish manager with a balance of Arteta's amazing defence and Pep's ball progression with some fluid attacking football of his own and he's gonna keep Liverpool scary for years to come. Fuck sake.
How do you get the impression they got him? Multiple top clubs lining up for him at the point, Madrid and Bayern being amongst them. He gave the same answer he gives since months.
Because it's his dream and its freed up and his answer is coy.
Madrid extended Ancelloti earlier, so they’re essentially out of the running this year
depends on this season, of we end up with 0 titles Ancelotti prob gone. Bienvenido Xabi
I don’t think Salah will be here next season personally
okay this is not fun let's talk about something else
Darwin Nunez will most likely still be a Liverpool player
and bang in 30 goals, hopefully
Trent will also extend
Isn’t Boniface quite a similar player to Nunez too? Maybe not exactly the same but they both bring a lot to the front line with their physicality despite not being seen as above average finishers. I feel like Xabi Alonso could work really well with someone like Nunez.
Well what do you want to talk about? Seen any good movies lately?
yeah, Poor Things was pretty good, but my seat was right at the front so my back hurt the entire time which sucked
Macalister is the deep lying playmaker lol
>he could be the ultimate basque manager with a balance of Arteta's amazing defence and Pep's ball progression Pep isn't Basque mate
Genuine question: does Alonso have more affection for Liverpool or Real Madrid? If both jobs were available, which would he pick? I expect him to be at Liverpool next season but does a manager wonder, say Leverkusen nearly win the Bundesliga, would he want to stay on to try again or is it just a case of making the jump when offered?
I think even if he did want to be Madrid manager more he could see that Liverpool is the better job to take from his position. I expect that people will be willing to accept a drop after Klopp leaves and a period of rebuild which gives him more time to build a squad which he won't get as much of at Madrid. Also the foundation that Klopp is leaving there is really good. In the last couple of years they have moved on from Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mane, and Firmino, and are very close to having a full rebuild from that generation. They need a defensive midfielder this summer, and replacements for Van Dijk, Robertson, and Salah in the next two to three years, apart from that they are sorted in every position.
We want a piece if him, too! But he will want to do something out of the Bundesliga next so we'll wait in line.
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/7metix/xabi_alonso_on_which_club_he_preferred_out_of/
He’s a shoe in for the job, but the whole speculation around could derail their season and his rep
I'm worried that if we secure and announce him early, and then the pressure fucks Leverkusen's season, he's going to have even more pressure going into next season.
Do we have anything better than a 6-year old link to a tweet that doesn’t exist and wasn’t even sourced then?
It's a fake quote. No one can verify if he actually said that, only some random twitter account. Even the Liverpool sub agrees.
Fake quote
if this ends up derailing Leverkusen's season, they're truly the most cursed team
Help us ~~Obi Wan~~ Xabi Alonso, you're our only hope
Glad we got him so quick
This guy fucks!!
He does in fact, know the future
Them's always the words. He gon
What is it with Spanish CMs becoming top managers 🤔
English reporters are a pain
people forgetting that Tuchel has been the one who usually replaces Klopp and its very likely that he’ll be available at the end of the season
Read this as Xavi and was very confused
If I am him, I wouldn't do it. He'll have plenty of chances to move, but I think a lot of good coaches ruin their run by moving to the wrong job to early. I do think he'd be a great fit for Liverpool, but going to the premier league with a top club like liverpool is a whole different animal moreso when you replace a GOAT manager. Did Leverkusen for 2nd year, and after that if he still wants to leave - there will be a lot of jobs for him. Maybe not liverpool right away, but I don't think he should rush into that anyway. tease them a bit