Analyzing why "Xabi Alonso" is well-suited to manage Liverpool instead of Klopp, fitting perfectly as if planned.
Amidst loud boos echoing around Anfield after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Burnley, leaving them 14 points behind the league leaders, the board has not shown urgency to replace manager Jürgen Klopp. However, fan pressure on Klopp has visibly intensified.
At the same time, the name "Xabi Alonso," a dream coach for many Liverpool fans, is being mentioned again after he recently became unemployed following his departure from Real Madrid. The key question is, if Alonso were to take charge of Liverpool one day, how well would his style fit this team?
The clear difference between Alonso and Klopp lies in their "playing system." Alonso led his team to success with a 3-4-3 formation, not a 4-2-3-1. Looking at Liverpool's current player structure, it aligns more with a three-at-the-back system than a four-at-the-back one, which is notable.
Last summer, Liverpool deliberately did not strengthen natural wingers but chose to sign two genuine wing-backs to add width and attacking options on the flanks. One of these players had previously worked with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. This approach clearly fits his three-at-the-back system.
In midfield, Liverpool also avoided buying a pure defensive midfielder, opting instead to keep versatile midfielders suitable for a double pivot system. They also tried to sign experienced center-back Marc Guehi, though Manchester City ultimately outbid them.
The more than £100 million spent on Florian Wirtz further confirms this vision. If he plays the same role as at Leverkusen—one of the front three, positioned on the left and slightly deeper—Liverpool has almost no positional overlap and even allowed Luis Diaz to leave without signing a direct replacement.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is considered to "fit Alonso's system" better than Klopp's current system. He would ideally play as the right-sided forward in a front three, operating close to the penalty area with wing-backs providing width on the flanks.
If Liverpool really want to bring in Alonso, the foundation is already set. The only addition needed is a new center-back. As long as Ibrahima Konaté remains and Giovanni Leonie recovers, no changes are expected before summer. But if a change happens, Liverpool is well-prepared to adapt to Alonso's style, almost as if this transition was planned in advance.