Ex-Liverpool defender Conor Coady claims he 'can see' Klopp successor

Former Liverpool defender Conor Coady believes the club will appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager. 

Jurgen Klopp announced on Friday that he would be stepping down as Reds boss at the end of the season, leading to immediate speculation over who would replace him. 

Anfield legend Alonso, a Champions League and FA Cup winner as a player in his time in red, was the early frontrunner after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga. 

While Leverkusen remain optimistic that Alonso will honour his contract and remain with the club until 2026, the lure of replacing Klopp may prove too strong to turn down. 

Coady, who made two first-team appearances throughout his time at Anfield, has spotted some tactical tweaks under Klopp which would indicate the club are preparing for a phase of evolution which could suit Alonso. 

The ability of Trent Alexander-Arnold to act as an extra midfield player when Liverpool are building up the play is a tactic that Coady believes could suit Alonso’s style of play. 

Speaking to the Monday Night Club on BBC 5 Live Sport, he said: “I can see it being Xabi Alonso, if I’m being honest with you. 

“We have seen over the last few months Trent Alexander-Arnold coming inside from right-back and different things.

“I have had a think about it and looked at it over the last few days, and you see a lot of people coming in now from right-back and playing this role and making a four in midfield and basically as a three-box three. 

“Listening there about how Xabi Alonso builds up with a three and a two, I think it may be something along the lines of just trying to keep up with the Man City’s of this world.”

Alonso, 42, also played under current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as he closed out his playing days at Bayern Munich and has drawn praise for his tactical innovation and attractive playing style at Bayer Leverkusen.

The former playmaker's side are currently unbeaten in 2023/24 and sit top of the Bundesliga after 19 games, two points clear of Bayern Munich.