By Leah Bower
Filling Jürgen Klopp’s place on the touchline has somehow proven even more difficult for fans to fathom as club legend, Xabi Alonso removes himself from the running, stating his allegiance to Bayer Leverkusen.
Whilst still believing Xabi will manage Liverpool in the future, Guillem Balagué lists his choices for the next Reds Manager.
“XABI ALONSO WILL MANAGE LIVERPOOL” GUILLEM BALAGUE ON SPANIARD’S FUTURE
Dan spoke with Guillem to talk about Liverpool’s future.
On Klopp, Guillem said: “I remember talking to Klopp around 3 years ago.
“Whenever I get the opportunity to chat to people like Klopp, the conversations are not just football. They’re about life and family and how he’s doing, his energy and the future.
“On and off camera, it sounded like he was toying with the end. I think renewing his contract had the intention of keeping everybody calm.
“I think he was starting to picture himself finishing because he gives so much. Energy is limited the older you get.
“Everyone constantly wants a piece of you, it takes a toll.
“If it hadn’t been for COVID, he may have left earlier, so I wasn’t totally surprised.
“Whatever happens next, you will miss Klopp”
On who could take over: “I know Rubén Amorin, I went to see him. I wanted to understand how he works and his relationship with the players.
“It was meant to only be an hour but we were chatting away for three! I was very, very impressed about him, there’s no doubt about that.
“I’ve been to see Roberto De Zerbi privately, we have common friends. I think he’s the guy that’s taking the Pep Guardiola idea to the next step, so again, an exceptional choice.”
On his favourite choice: “Why is nobody mentioning Ernesto Valverde?!
“Valverde is somebody who has won titles at Athletic Club and in Greece, everyone talks of him as a 10/10 person.
“So if you’re talking about managing one of the biggest clubs in the world and everything that involves; dealing with massive players, you’re talking about a style of football that would suit Liverpool.
“Athletic Club are playing brilliant football, the best football I’ve seen in a long while.
“I don’t know why his name hasn’t been mentioned yet. I’ve got no doubt he could do it, I don’t know if he wants to do it.
“For me, he’s one of the top managers in the world. He doesn’t sell himself, he’s so humble and that’s why he’s not part of this conversation.
“Liverpool would be in really good hands at a very very difficult period.”
Liverpool MUST consider Julian Nagelsmann to replace Klopp – Bundesliga Commentator Kevin Hatchard
Redmen Reacts
Albeit the 60-year-old Spaniard was the Barcelona manager on that fateful night from a Catalan perspective, his credentials certainly stack up as being worthy of being among the candidates.
Despite failing to succeed in Europe, Valverde’s domestic honours are impressive and would put him in contention for most top jobs.
All of that said, it still remains unlikely the Anfield hierarchy would turn to the former Olympiakos boss.
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