Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso would ‘be crazy’ to turn down an approach from Liverpool in the summer, according to German journalist Raphael Honigstein.
Alonso is the favourite to be offered the Liverpool manager’s position, which will become vacant at the end of the season when Jurgen Klopp steps down at Anfield.
The Spaniard has won plaudits for his work at Leverkusen, leading the German side to the top of the Bundesliga table this season after an unbeaten start to the campaign.
Alonso spent five seasons of his playing career at Liverpool and remains a hugely popular figure at the club, with Honigstein believing the opportunity to take charge of the Reds is too good to turn down.
“If Xabi Alonso gets the offer, I think he’d be crazy personally not to take it. I don’t think there is a better offer or a better job in the summer available than Liverpool,” Honigstein told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues.
“Even with all the legacy that might become baggage from Jurgen Klopp, you’re going to have a fantastic team and you’re going to be instantly competitive on all fronts.
“So, why wouldn’t you take it? The only reason he wouldn’t take it is he might feel he needs a bit more time, might want to play a first Champions League season, learn a bit more on the job.
“But, the reason I believe he will take it if it is offered to him is because I think he understands that Liverpool, for all their flaws and they’re not perfect, are a pretty stable environment under FSG.”
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