April is set to be a big month in Liverpool’s hunt to land Xabi Alonso as their new manager.
Alonso has been tipped as the favorite to take charge of Liverpool next season since Jurgen Klopp announced his shock intention to leave the club in January.
However, for the next two months or so, there was little movement. With the Spaniard focused on completing an unprecedented season with Bayer Leverkusen, and a move to Bayern Munich as well, Alonso remains available one way or another.
But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening behind the scenes. Speaking on the JD Football YouTube channel yesterday, this journalist confirmed that both Liverpool and Bayern will participate in a “crazy battle” in April.
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Romano said: “I am sure that Liverpool will fight until the end to get Xabi Alonso. “I see Liverpool and Bayern really competing for the Spanish coach. It will be very interesting in the coming weeks and months. “Believe me, Liverpool and Bayern will really do their best, and Bayern will do their best as well. So I think April will be a crazy battle.
It’s good to know that Liverpool are willing to face Bayern for Alonso. It seems that if the choice had been easy for the 42-year-old, he would have chosen the Red Devils.
However, if they look reserved or hesitant, the German giant will sneak in and take charge. Liverpool cannot allow this to happen.
It is understood there are still two other managers on the shortlist at Anfield – Lens’ Frank Hayes is one of those mentioned provisionally. But Alonso is clearly the favourite.
If the World Cup winner goes to Bayern, it would be a real blow for Liverpool in the early stages of the post-Klopp era. Of course, they will have to keep their options open elsewhere, and there are other good managers out there. They can’t wait for Alonso to make a decision forever.
With the season quickly drawing to a close, April seems like a fitting stop. After Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup at the weekend, Klopp’s final Premier League match will be on May 19 or the Europa League final three days later.
Considering that Leverkusen are also struggling on three fronts, you can understand that Alonso needs clarity. But the fact of the matter is that there are two big clubs waiting for his answer. Liverpool must have a backup plan. But when the finish line is in sight, the former shirt number 14 remains the shirt number they really want.
Of course, they will have to keep their options open elsewhere though, and there are other good managers out there. They can’t wait forever for Alonso to make his decision.
With the end of the season fast approaching, April would feel like a good cut off point. After Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, Klopp’s last game will either be in the Premier League on May 19th, or the Europa League final three days later.
As Leverkusen also battle on three fronts, you can understand Alonso’s need for clarity. But the fact of the matter is that two massive clubs are waiting for his answer.
Liverpool have to have a back-up plan in place. But with the final stretch in sight, their former No.14 remains the one they really want.