Liverpool have been sent a warning sign about appointing Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's successor when he steps down at the end of the season.
Klopp recently announced his departure with a heartfelt message to supporters where he revealed he was "running out of energy".
In his eight-year spell at Anfield, he has rebuilt the club making them a European powerhouse once again.
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Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso is currently the favourite to take over after an impressive season in the Bundesliga where they are unbeaten in 22 games.
Klopp praised him in a recent press conference and many see that as his seal of approval.
Despite this, former Liverpool player Joe Cole has warned the club about appointing him to succeed the 56-year-old.
He is worried the pressures of managing the Reds would be 'too much too soon' for Alonso.
Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool's clash against Brentford, Cole said: "Whether he likes it or not, [Klopp] is going to be involved [in the new manager search]
"Comments like that do seem like he’s given his tip of approval. The next person coming into this job - it’s very, very difficult.
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"I liken it to when Alex Ferguson left Manchester United. David Moyes, a proven, top manager, found it very difficult.
"For Xabi, if he does get offered it at some point, I think it’d be too much too soon for his development as a manager.
"I do think he’s a top manager, but I think it’s a more difficult job than people give it credit for, in replacing Jurgen Klopp."
It's not just Klopp who's an admirer of Alonso, he's the most popular choice amongst the majority of Liverpool fans as well.
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He knows the club and would be committed to continuing to build on the squad that Klopp has amassed.
If he can defy the odds and win the league ahead of giants Bayern Munich then he'd have earned the opportunity.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Xabi Alonso, Premier League, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga
Will Evans