'I would suggest something a little different' - David James explains what FSG should do about next Liverpool manager
David James believes Xabi Alonso and Ange Postecoglou would be good replacements for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss - but not just yet
If the next Liverpool manager didn't already know how just how big a job it will be replacing Jurgen Klopp, surely they will now. Rather than going into their shells after the news that the legendary Reds boss will be departing at the end of the season, his loyal players have simply upped their game further.
Last night's 5-1 win at Sparta Prague means Liverpool remain the running for an unprecedented quadruple in Klopp's final campaign in charge. With one foot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and the Carabao Cup already in the trophy cabinet, the Reds will now turn their attention to Sunday's top-of-the-table Premier League clash at home to Manchester City and the FA Cup last-eight tie at Manchester United one week later.
Intriguingly, the man who many see as the favourite to replace Klopp at Anfield, is also on the verge of overseeing something very special. Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen sit 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, are in the semi-finals of the German Cup, and last night came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at FK Qarabag in the Europa League. It was a result that extended Leverkusen's unbeaten record this season to 35 matches.
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David James, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, believes it is only right that his old club are looking at Alonso. He also cites Ange Postecoglou, who is impressing in his debut campaign at Tottenham Hotspur, as another candidate he likes. However, James is unsure whether either are ready to replace Klopp just yet. And that's why he's suggesting Reds owners FSG do "something a little different."
"Ange Postecoglou has been linked and I like him as a person," said James to Lord Ping. "I think he is the sort of guy that you want to listen to and doesn’t shy away from answering the awkward questions, a little bit like Jurgen. He also has the courage of his convictions in terms of his teams playing style to continue playing football the way he feels the game should be played. This is his first season at Tottenham, so you could question whether this move is a little bit too soon for him.
"I’m not sure what the situation is with Xabi Alonso. He is the leading candidate according to reports, but he is also the leading candidate for a number of other big clubs. Everyone is looking at him and rightly so, but, again, he doesn’t have a body of work beyond what he is doing with Bayer Leverkusen this season. His Bayer Leverkusen team have been sensational this season and the job that he has done there is quite stunning. The question is, is one season long enough to prove your credentials as potentially Liverpool’s next manager?
"I’m not sure if many people have thought about this, but I would suggest something a little different. I think Liverpool could bring in an interim manager - someone in the mould of an Ancelotti. (Carlo) Ancelotti signed an extension with Real (Madrid), so not him, but that type of experienced figure who knows how to win. That would allow some of the candidates like Ange and Alonso the opportunity to prove themselves over a further 12 months and then Liverpool can make a decision."
James then spoke about the reaction of the Reds players to Klopp's announcement that this season would be his last. The ex-England No.1 said: "Is what we’re seeing, this undefeatable desire, resolve and spirit because Jurgen is leaving at the end of the season? I don’t think it is. I don’t think the players are consciously going out there and thinking, ‘let’s do this for Jurgen’. I just think that what Jurgen brings to the Liverpool changing room and the entire Liverpool group - even the people outside of the footballing side of things - is this belief and that is playing a massive part in Liverpool winning football matches. Klopp effects people in such a positive way, he is responsible for what is happening.
James continued: "For me, it isn’t so much about Liverpool finding a replacement for Klopp who is a brilliant coach, it’s the human side of Klopp that will be so hard for Liverpool to replace. I think you can find a coach that could match Jurgen in terms of what you see on a football field. The tactics and approach might be different, but I think they will be able to find a manager that will bring Liverpool success on the field."