Former Spain international Gerard Pique has expressed his lack of surprise at the speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso potentially replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Pique claimed that his former international teammate was always destined for a successful managerial career, as Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, continues to be touted as a possible successor to Klopp at Anfield.
Leverkusen, under Alonso’s guidance, currently holds a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Additionally, they are set to face West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, with a potential semi-final matchup against either AC Milan or Roma awaiting them should they progress past David Moyes’s side.
The draw for the Europa League has set up the tantalising prospect of a clash between Leverkusen and Liverpool at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin.
However, for this encounter to materialise, Klopp’s side must first overcome Atalanta in the quarter-finals and emerge victorious against one of Benfica or Marseille in the semi-finals.
Pique has expressed his intrigue at the prospect of his former colleague taking over from Klopp at Liverpool, adding to the speculation surrounding Alonso’s managerial future.
“For sure, I could see he had what it took to be a successful manager,” the ex-Barcelona star told Sky Sports.
“He absolutely loves football. He understands how to play the game and it’s very similar to Sergio Busquets.
“Busquets is still playing but he will be another incredible coach. Xabi has demonstrated at Bayer Leverkusen why he is so highly regarded.
“He is having the perfect season in not losing. Let’s see next year what he’s doing. Everyone says Liverpool will be an option after Klopp leaves, so let’s see.”
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