I think it would be a risk for Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp –

Exclusive: Ryan Babel discusses the form of Liverpool’s three Dutch players and whether former teammate Xabi Alonso should take over as manager. Despite Xabi Alonso’s incredible turnaround at Bayer Leverkusen, Ryan Babel believes it is too soon for the Spaniard to take over as manager of Liverpool.
When the Spanish player signed with the German team in October 2022, they were ranked second from the bottom of the table. His first full season at the BayArena has surpassed all expectations even more, as he bounced back to finish sixth in the table and make it to the Europa League semi-finals. With eight games remaining, Leverkusen, who have never won the Bundesliga previously, lead Bayern Munich by ten points at the top of the standings. They have an undefeated season in every competition, and as Alonso’s team looks to complete a historic triple, they have advanced to the DFB-Pokal semifinals and the Europa League quarterfinals.

Given that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving his position as manager of Liverpool in the summer, Alonso is a strong candidate to succeed the German. But a return to Anfield isn’t the only possible transfer option; Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both rumored to be interested in signing him. This summer, Thomas Tuchel will also be departing Bayern, giving Alonso direct competition from the Bavarians. On the other hand, Leverkusen is certain to keep him until Carlo Ancelotti’s contract at the Bernabeu expires, and Real Madrid is purportedly hoping he will replace the Italian.
Naturally, Alonso isn’t the only credible contender being mentioned as Klopp’s replacement; other contenders include Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi. Although Babel has been impressed by his old teammate’s management career thus far, he feels that Alonso poses too much of a risk to replace Klopp at Liverpool. The two played together for two seasons at Anfield.
“It would be a big risk for him to replace Klopp,” the Dutchman exclusively told the ECHO. It’s evident that he has the potential to be an excellent manager.
“However, Leverkusen and Liverpool are different in that although success is not required at Leverkusen, it is at Liverpool. I believe it would be preferable if he intervened at a different moment.
“Even if now is the ideal moment, I believe it will be really challenging, and the pressure The 69-cap Netherlands international Babel also discussed his observations regarding the play of the Dutch players in the Liverpool team, expressing his happiness with Virgil van Dijk’s comeback to form.
Although the captain of the Reds has been one of the team’s best performers under Klopp so far this season, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo have also had form issues and injuries, which has led to criticism from some fan bases.
However, having played with Gravenberch at Ajax and as a former forward who went straight from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, he asked for patience with his old teammate and Gakpo before promising fans that both will eventually turn things around for Liverpool.
“It is obviously clear that Van The current season for Liverpool.I was ecstatic to see Gravenberch join us last summer.
“I believe he needs some time to adjust, but once he does, I believe Liverpool will benefit greatly from having him.” We’ll all be able to see his talent soon.I think Gakpo is an excellent player. Naturally, it depends on Liverpool’s style of play and the opponent, including whether or not he plays as a left winger or a false nine. He is capable of playing both.
It’s difficult for him to move from Holland to the Premier League as well. It always takes a little while.”I can think of a ton of players who weren’t always excellent right away. That’s football; it’s really competitive in the Premier League.