Xabi Alonso becomes Europe most wanted

The amazing results he is achieving at the BayArena have made Xabi Alonso a highly sought-after coach for the top clubs. Recent news suggest that Xabi Alonso would rather join Bayern Munich than Liverpool this summer. This could make sense, because it's less challenging to replace a flop than a hero - and that's what Jurgen Klopp is at Anfield, a hero.

Klopp is not only a great coach, but also a charismatic leader. He has a unique connection with the Kop, unlike any other Liverpool manager before him. When Liverpool were trailing against lowly Luton on Wednesday, Klopp faced the Main Stand and asked for more backing from the fans. The result was "a storm", a surge of passion that overwhelmed Luton in the second half with what Rob Edwards described as "high-intensity football". The Luton manager confessed after the 4-1 defeat that Liverpool's intense pressure was too much for them, and their supporters were fantastic - it was hard for the players to focus. "It felt like the Kop was pulling us in and we were trapped in our half. We witnessed Anfield and Liverpool at their peak tonight. I think they were superb."

Will the dream become a reality?

As a result, succeeding Klopp is considered by some as the impossible job and one can understand why, given the trophies he's won and the rapport he has with both the players and the supporters. Just look at the way in which Manchester United have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure more than a decade ago.

In that sense, Alonso may feel that this is a case of the right role but at the wrong time. He admitted when he embarked upon his coaching career that he had "dreamt" of returning to Liverpool as the manager, having become such a fan-favourite during his time at Anfield as a player, but he's still a relatively young coach. At 42 years of age, he would be forgiven for feeling that there's no rush; that the Liverpool job will come up again for him.
After all, he's already done enough at Bayer Leverkusen to suggest that he has a long and successful career ahead of him. In just over 18 months, he has taken a team at risk of relegation to the cusp of a first-ever Bundesliga title - and all the while playing a thrilling brand of football.
Consequently, there is no more coveted - or highly-rated - young coach in the game today. Indeed, he's already effectively received a glowing endorsement from Klopp.

Alonso has a strong connection with Bayern as well, having played for them for three years before retiring. He also had a lot of success at Real Madrid, who will probably need a new coach in 2026 when Ancelotti’s contract ends.
Alonso might, therefore, choose to remain at the BayArena and continue the impressive work he has done in Leverkusen, knowing that Florentino Perez would think of him as the perfect replacement for Ancelotti. But in the world of management, things are not always easy. The reality is that two top positions will become available this summer - and Alonso is the favourite for both.