Xabi Alonso has already dropped massive hint he could replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager

Comments made by Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso have resurfaced following the announcement Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Klopp announced his departure this morning with an emotional video message to Liverpool fans after nine years as manager.

The news has sent the footballing world into chaos, with Pep Lijnders and Xabi Alonso the two front runners for the job according to the latest odds.

Alonso is a very interesting option, as the Bayer Leverkusen manager has been absolutely outstanding this season as his side sit top of the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten.

The Spaniard has previously stated his desire to manage the Merseyside club, having spent five years at the club between 2004-2009.

Speaking in 2018 during an interview with Spanish football expert Guillem Balague for talkSPORT, Alonso said: "Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare.

"If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there.

"Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways," he added.

Xabi Alonso- Liverpool

Alonso also predicted in the interview that it would be his former midfield partner Steven Gerrard that would be more likely to take on the reins at Liverpool.

"I think that Stevie will go earlier than me for sure, it's the natural way," Alonso said.

YOU CAN BET ON LIVERPOOL'S NEXT PERMANENT MANAGER HERE.

"Steve is already there so it's going to be sooner rather than later I guess," He added.

Gerrard has recently put pen to paper on a new deal at his current club Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, despite the former Liverpool captain failing to win a match since October.

Al Ettifaq also lost their main summer aquisition in Jordan Henderson, who terminated his contract in order to sign for Ajax.

Despite Alonso's predictions, it looks like it will all turn out very differently, as the Leverkusen manager is sure to be near the top of Liverpool's wish-list.

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Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen, Premier League, Football

Tom Jenkins

Tom Jenkins is a Social Editor and Journalist for SPORTBible. Specialises in Football and F1 but has experience covering a variety of sports such as MMA, Boxing and Cricket. Suffers weekly as an Evertonian.

@tomjenkns