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'Don't copy Klopp!' - Ex-Red warns Xabi Alonso to do things his own way

'Don't copy Klopp!' - Ex-Red warns Xabi Alonso to do things his own way

Peter Staunton 10 Mar 2024, 14:24 Last modified: 10 Mar 2024

Xabi Alonso has been warned not to copy Jurgen Klopp should he succeed the German in the Liverpool hotseat, and to do things his own way.

Klopp shocked the world back in January when he announced his intentions to step down as Reds boss at the end of the season.

Talk immediately turned to who could replace the 56-year-old in the Anfield hotseat with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso becoming the early frontrunner.

His work with Bayer Leverkusen has been astonishing this season, transforming a relegation-threatened side into Bundesliga champions-elect.

The 42-year-old is now the hottest managerial property in Europe with Liverpool and Bayern Munich among the candidates for his signature.

And while Klopp has achieved success for the Merseysiders in his own inimitable style, Patrik Berger, a former Liverpool star, wants Alonso to do things his own way.

Having played under coaches like Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti throughout his career, the World Cup winner should have plenty of inspiration to draw from.

© IMAGO - Fussball, Bundesliga, Deutschland, Herren, Saison 2023/2024, 23. Spieltag, BayArena Leverkusen, Bayer Leverkusen - FSV Mainz 05 2:1 Cheftrainer Xabi Alonso LEV. Einzelbild, Portrait, Porträt. DFB/DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO *** Football, Bundesliga, Germany, Men, Season 2023 2024, Matchday 23, BayArena Leverkusen, Bayer Leverkusen FSV Mainz 05 2 1 Head coach Xabi Alonso LEV Single image, portrait, portrait DFB DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND OR QUASI VIDEO

“It doesn’t matter who it’s going to be – it’s going to be very difficult for a new manager to step in,” Berger told Betway.

“I think whoever is going to be the new coach, nobody should try to copy Klopp. You just need to get in and be yourself and try to do the job well.

“The rumours are Xabi Alonso could be one of the candidates, which makes sense as he’s doing a remarkable job at Leverkusen. One massive factor as well is he played for Liverpool, so he knows the city, he knows what it means to play for Liverpool.

“He’s been an unbelievable footballer, and he’s been learning from Ancelotti and Guardiola. Alonso could be the right man for the job. He will have the fans behind him straight away. But I have no idea what other candidates there could be as no one stands out.

“Overall, I wouldn’t mind if it’s Alonso as the new Liverpool manager because I think he has been doing and unbelievable job for Leverkusen and is going to win the title in the Bundesliga this season.”