Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Xabi Alonso will be a success if he replaces Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout.
The Bayer Leverkusen head coach is the heavy favourite to take the reins at Anfield this summer and, asked whether his ex-Spain teammate has the ability to manage the Reds, Fabregas replied:
“He’s a very intelligent guy. 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 has an outstanding track record
Since being appointed Leverkusen manager midway through last season, the 42-year-old has won 63.64% of his 66 matches in charge.
His team remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this campaign, currently sitting top of the table, two points above reigning champions Bayern Munich.
Liverpool will be taking a big risk
Unlike Klopp, who had won two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and had reached the Champions League even before arriving at Anfield, Alonso does not have the same CV.
If he does secure his first league championship with Leverkusen, it would definitely ease concerns about his lack of experience, but FSG will still be taking a calculated gamble on a young manager.
