Next Liverpool manager: Pundit shares 'incredible' Xabi Alonso verdict after source's reveal
Xabi Alonso "should get the opportunity" to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool - but he would have an "almost impossible task" ahead.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson claimed that Alonso has proved his ability as a top manager during his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
As revealed by Football Insider (28 January), the Reds are planning to approach the 42-year-old as Klopp's successor and have made him their "number one choice".
The Liverpool fan favourite has guided Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in all competitions this season, to the top of the Bundesliga.
Robinson suggested that it would be preferable to become the Liverpool manager after Klopp's immediate successor as there would be far less pressure, but backed Alonso as a suitable replacement.
"He should get the opportunity," he told Football Insider. "Xabi Alonso has proved he is a quality manager. But for me, they're huge shoes to fill.
"What Jurgen Klopp has done at Liverpool with the trophies he's won is incredible.
"For the next man in, it's a really difficult task.
"I wouldn't want to be the next manager in, I'd want to be the one after him!
"The manager who replaces Klopp - it's almost an impossible task.
"If you don't pick up the baton and win trophies, it'll be a problem.
"But the one after him - that's the job you want because to follow someone of Klopp's quality would be so hard.
"The way Klopp is held in such high regard by players and staff - for anyone to come in and even come close to that is going to take something crazy.
"But Alonso could be the man to carry on the mantle."
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