Jamie Carragher has provided an in-depth insight into who he believes is the "frontrunner" to succeed Jurgen Klopp as the next manager of Liverpool.
After nine trophy-laden years, an emotional Klopp surprised the football world on Friday morning when he announced his intention to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 56-year-old, who attributed his decision to “running out of energy”, has lifted the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup after replacing Brendan Rodgers in 2015.
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"I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again," he added.
"After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth."
A number of high-profile candidates have since been linked with the job, including Roberto De Zerbi, Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso, who is the bookies favourite to take over at Anfield this summer.
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In fact, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has called Alonso the "frontrunner" to replace Klopp after such an impressive campaign at Bayer Leverkusen – a team that have gone from relegation contenders to league leaders under the Spaniard's reign.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Carragher said: "I think right now, if you look around the Premier League and Europe and you think who fits Liverpool, there is no doubt you cannot get away from Xabi Alonso, a former team-mate of mine.
"It's because he is so respected at Liverpool for what he did as a player, he is a Champions League winner, has always held himself with real class, he's a World Cup winner - and that's just his playing side.
"You think of the managers he has worked under, Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and all of these great figures.
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"And right now with the job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen, he almost looks like the brightest young thing in European football, there is no doubt about that."
Carragher also voiced his appreciation for Roberto De Zerbi but reaffirmed his admiration for Alonso.
"The other one I look at is Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, who has done a fantastic job. The thing that stands out about them as well, which always stood out about Jurgen Klopp, was that Jurgen was always able to be successful, without being at the biggest spending of teams," he continued.
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"You look at what Xabi Alonso is doing at Bayer Leverkusen, competing with Bayern Munich. You look at what De Zerbi is doing trying to compete with other top teams in the league, and has done really well especially last season.
"But I would certainly say the frontrunner, and I think it's too rich me saying it, would certainly be Xabi Alonso - for the job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen, who are still the only undefeated team in Europe in all competitions.
"There is a long way to go but they are in a great position. I think for what he has achieved, the managers he has played under, and the start he has made to his managerial career, he is certainly the frontrunner."
Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, was questioned about the Liverpool job on Friday, shortly after Klopp outlined his plan to leave at the end of the season.
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“Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen," he said.
“I am very happy at Leverkusen with my players at the moment. [It was a] big surprise in Liverpool, of course — for what Jurgen did in Liverpool I have great respect and admiration. “I am really happy here. I am enjoying my work here. I am feeling each day and each game is a challenge. I am on a beautiful journey in Leverkusen. The next one, I don't know.
“I am thinking about where I am right now. I am in a great place and I am enjoying. Saturday is what really matters. I don't really care what is going to happen in the future right now.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images - Sky SportsTopics: Jamie Carragher, Liverpool, Premier League, Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi