Liverpool did not want the time to come, but Jürgen Klopp is leaving at the end of the season. FSG will need to search extensively for a replacement, though Xabi Alonso appears to be the leading contender as things stand.
The Spaniard has impressed hugely as Bayer Leverkusen manager, where he could become the first non-Bayern Munich manager since Klopp in 2012 to win the Bundesliga. Alonso was also very well-regarded at Real Sociedad, whose B team he took up to the second tier of Spanish football. That experience should not be discounted.
It remains to be seen who else is on Liverpool’s radar. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton), Rúben Amorim (Sporting CP) and Julian Nagelsmann (German national team) have all also been put forward as possible options, but Alonso appears to be the one who would have the instant backing of all Liverpool fans. That could be an important factor in who wins the race.
It is not done yet, but what might the Reds look like if Alonso does take over at Anfield? Liverpool.com has taken a look at the outcomes that appear certain — even if the name of Klopp’s successor isn’t yet set in stone.
Formation question answered
Bayer Leverkusen plays with a back three but that does not mean that Alonso definitely would at Anfield, or anywhere else that he ends up coaching during what could be a long and fruitful career in management. Instead, the Spaniard is open to adapting what resources he has at his disposal.
At Liverpool, the current squad would appear to be much better suited to playing with a back four. After all, considering how well Klopp has done with the team, why change things a huge amount? Switching formations would require a lot more squad surgery.
Trent Alexander-Arnold answer and Mohamed Salah decision
One of the biggest questions that whoever comes in after Klopp will have to answer is where to field Trent Alexander-Arnold. The best right-back in the world at his peak, there is an argument for moving him into midfield — and a sense that the debate will not end until he finishes playing (and even then he will almost certainly be asked about it in every interview).
Alonso certainly knows how to play central midfield and could help Alexander-Arnold adapt to that role, but there has to be a question of where he gets the most space. Giving the Liverpool vice-captain the most time to dictate things from deep is the priority, hence why being an inverted right-back makes so much sense.
Mohamed Salah is also going to be a big decision in the sense of whether he gets a new contract or not. The Egyptian’s current deal runs until the summer of 2025. Keeping him, at least until then, should be more important than ever to ensure continuity when Klopp departs — losing both at the same time would not feel sensible.
Young talents continue to come through
One of the biggest positives from Klopp’s time at Liverpool has been the constant progression of young talents into the first team. The long line of youngsters readying themselves to make the step up is not going anywhere, either.
The likes of Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns have stepped up to train with the senior players in recent weeks and more talents will follow. Bobby Clark and Kaide Gordon should continue getting chances as well.
Backroom staff changes
As well as Klopp leaving, Pep Lijnders and the rest of the Liverpool backroom team are also moving on. There are a few names among Alonso’s current coaching staff that many would recognize.