‘The risk’… Rio Ferdinand has noted one problem with Liverpool appointing Xabi Alonso

February 1, 2024

By – Thiruselvam

‘The risk’… Rio Ferdinand has noted one problem with Liverpool appointing Xabi Alonso — Xabi Alonso

Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on speculation linking Xabi Alonso with Liverpool.

The former Manchester United defender has noted an issue that Liverpool could have with Alonso.

So, what has Rio Ferdinand said about Liverpool and Xabi Alonso? Let’s take a look.

Xabi Alonso linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Well, Xabi Alonso is one of the candidates to take over at Liverpool once Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season.

Klopp announced last week that he will step down as the Liverpool manager once the current campaign ends.

Liverpool are already looking at potential replacements. According to journalist Dean Jones in SportsLens, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is one of the early favourites to succeed Klopp.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported in GiveMeSport that the 42-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is a prime contender for the role at Anfield.

Rio Ferdinand gives his verdict

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on rumours linking Alonso with Liverpool.

While the TNT Sports pundit believes that Alonso would be a good managerial appointment for Liverpool, he has pointed at his lack of extensive experience as a potential risk for the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners.

Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel about Alonso to Liverpool speculation: “If they announce quick, or before the end of the season, that Xabi Alonso is coming, and he’s just off the back of winning the German league with Leverkusen, unbeaten… whew.

“Whether he wins it or not though, Xabi Alonso, in this season, has done something that nobody has ever done in Germany halfway through.”

The pundit added: “He plays good football. Xabi Alonso because of the whole history, he’s played for the club, they love him there, the brand of football he’s playing. He’s only been in it a little while, which is the risk, he hasn’t got the experience.”

While it is true that Xabi Alonso is a very young manager, you also have to note what he is doing right now.

Under Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen could beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title this season. That would be unbelievable.

Liverpool also have a very strong squad. The likes of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson all are doing well.

So, Alonso would not have to come in at Liverpool and build an entirely new team. He would inherit a settled side.

Source – TBRFootball