The most recent information about Newcastle United following Liverpool’s announcement that manager Jurgen Klopp will be leaving the team at the end of the campaign.
Following the news of his unexpected departure, Match of the Day broadcaster Gary Lineker and Newcastle United veteran Alan Shearer have already tipped Xabi Alonso to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Liverpool announced on Friday morning that Klopp will be departing the team at the end of the current campaign. With his departure, eight and a half years that have seen Liverpool win every domestic trophy available in addition to a Champions League, come to an end and upset a few people on Tyneside in the process, come to an end.
The announcement has prompted early talk over who could take over for the start of the 2024/25 season. The early bookmakers favourite is Xabi Alonso.
Newcastle great Shearer has taken notice of the former Liverpool midfielder’s work, as the team is currently four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga in Germany thanks to his achievement.
In November, Shearer stated during an interview with the Rest is Football Podcast, “He [Alonso] is receiving fantastic reviews isn’t he? He’s had a great start to his managerial and coaching career. If he continues on, it won’t be long until people begin to observe him if they haven’t already, and you never know.”
Linker said: “I think there’s every chance that once Carlo Ancelotti walks away or is pushed out as is often the case at Real Madrid, he might end up there as manager of a certain Jude Bellingham.
“Also, he could possibly follow (Jurgen) Klopp further down the line. With these things, you always do, don’t you. There is always going to be (Steven) Gerrard.”
Shearer added: “In 12 months time that might all change. But, it does look as though he’s going to be around for a long time at the top doesn’t he?”
Alonso joined Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, after gaining experience as a youth coach at Real Madrid and the manager of Real Sociedad’s B team. In his 64 games in charge of Leverkusen, the side have won 41, drawn 13 and lost just 10. The club are unbeaten in all competitions this season, their last loss coming in May last year.
An unintended consequence of Klopp’s success at Anfield has been the emergence of a minor rivalry between the two clubs, and particularly United boss Eddie Howe. Newcastle’s record goalscorer has been full of praise for the German, even if he did admit he could be ‘annoying’.
“He is brilliant. He’s different class. His attitude on the side of the pitch can be annoying at times but in a way I admire and like that as well because of how passionate he is and how much he loves his football club and cares about it,” he said after Liverpool’s win over the Magpies on New Year’s Day.
“And the football his team plays is amazing at times. He is a special, special manager.”
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