Cesc Fabregas believes Xabi Alonso would be the ideal replacement for Jurgen Klopp when he steps down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.
Alonso is among the early favourites to take over from Klopp, having impressed in his young coaching career so far. Bayer Leverkusen are currently top of the Bundesliga and two points clear of Bayern Munich under the Spaniard, having been second bottom when Alonso was given the job in October 2022.
Fabregas has laid out Alonso's credentials to take over at Anfield next season, citing his intelligence, personality, mentality and connection to the club stemming from his five seasons at Liverpool as a player.
"He's a very intelligent guy," Fabregas told the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast. "He's been up there. He's done it all and he knows the standards that are being set at Liverpool. The crowd love him and also I think he's a really good coach. He's got good ideas.
"Maybe he plays slightly differently but I think he's got adaptability. I saw him around when he was the coach of Real Sociedad B, then now at Bayer Leverkusen. He does different things. He's capable of adapting to the situation and to different types of players he's got and he's got the right mentality.
"He's young, but the good thing about him is that he's got very clear ideas. He's an intelligent, stable guy and has the right personality. So it's a big shout, but I agree that he [would be] able to do it."
Alonso, meanwhile, has played down speculation about a potential move to Anfield, insisting he remains fully focused on Leverkusen and their league title bid. "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."
tahbmry
0
Alonso is one of us, he understands Liverpool, he can deliver the job.
zowbkmpsu
3
klopp must say, if not we'll renew a contract to him
Petèmiller
0
Young Spanish coaches taking over. Arteta, Alonso & Xavi. Fabregas is in line too so are Thiago Alcantara & Santi Cazola. If you watch a lot of Liverpool matches you'll how Thiago is like an assistant to Klopp sometimes Klopp allowing him to prep talk players before they are subbed in, funny it even worked for Nunez he went on to score
He won the league & coppa de rel last season, his first season he helped Barca who sat below top 4 and they finished second behind Madrid. sometimes players let coaches down.
Jameikoty
1
yes cesc fabregans
cesabelmnr
0
Is crazy
Champ92
0
Young Spanish coaches taking over. Arteta, Alonso & Xavi. Fabregas is in line too so are Thiago Alcantara & Santi Cazola. If you watch a lot of Liverpool matches you'll how Thiago is like an assistant to Klopp sometimes Klopp allowing him to prep talk players before they are subbed in, funny it even worked for Nunez he went on to score
xavi really???🤔
fohakmnpst
0
fabregas can not he is a Arsenal fan
fohakmnpst
1
Steven Gerrard will not come because he is earning alot Now
simst007
0
Good Ebening will be the guy to go too
Himbcmp
0
No chance at all…still have a long way to go to coach top clubs….start from the small clubs get experience make your name then you can try big clubs bro
wuyclmnpz
0
Ha...ha....You desreeve to be second boss of Arsenal...
my-blood-is-red
0
y can't they stop forcing the issue, Alonso is in a title race let d dude concentrate
I tire ooo all this media just keep asking stupid questions on what not really matter for now
tatbcnopu
0
Fabregas should focus on rescuing Arsenal and Chelsea
Petèmiller
0
let fabregas coach academy, stop exaggerating things.xabi Alonso is already a right person, so you want to get the club back where it was for over 30 years, can you be serious.
😂😂 Febregas is backing Alonso to take over Liverpool not the other way round, Febregas himself is a coach at Como U19 in Italy, bet you read it the other way😂😂🎉
Petèmiller
1
Young Spanish coaches taking over. Arteta, Alonso & Xavi. Fabregas is in line too so are Thiago Alcantara & Santi Cazola. If you watch a lot of Liverpool matches you'll how Thiago is like an assistant to Klopp sometimes Klopp allowing him to prep talk players before they are subbed in, funny it even worked for Nunez he went on to score
Popadmnopz
0
let fabregas coach academy, stop exaggerating things.xabi Alonso is already a right person, so you want to get the club back where it was for over 30 years, can you be serious.
bazacnosy
0
Alonso must coach real Madrid instead of Liverpool
KartikeyChauhan
1
Liverpool fans don't worry...I will succeed Klopp👍🏻
Kahdeiosy
1
Alonso only wants to manage Real Madrid- The best and most successful club in the world!
faeabclmno
0
attention seekers aplenty, giving 2 cents worth.
Dmoney2555
2
Don’t understand what is fabregas concern about yoh Liverpool matter ???
huzabcdkn
1
ohh ohh wrong number
raynardblake
3
y can't they stop forcing the issue, Alonso is in a title race let d dude concentrate