Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has hailed Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, amid speculation linking the former Liverpool midfielder with the Reds’ managerial position following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure.
Klopp had revealed his decision in January to step down from his role at the end of the season, citing the need for a sabbatical due to exhaustion.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen has enjoyed a remarkable season, currently leading the Bundesliga by eight points over second-placed Bayern Munich.
When quizzed about Alonso’s potential move to Liverpool, Guardiola said (via The Mirror), “It’s a question for Liverpool, and of course, I’m not going to answer because I don’t know the ideas that they have. But if you ask me about the job that he is doing, honestly? Wow! It’s the only team in modern football that is unbeaten in all competitions and fighting in that way with Bayern Munich there.”
Guardiola also took the opportunity to highlight four players [Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets, Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan] he’s coached, including Alonso, who he believes possesses the attributes to excel in management.
Reflecting on Alonso’s aptitude, Guardiola remarked, “In that moment? Yeah – there are holding midfielders, they ask you questions and how curious they are about the game. Normally holding midfielders like him, Mascherano, Busquets – the holding midfielders I had Rodri, Gundogan – they will be involved in football for sure because they have a vision for a global perspective that is different.”