'Everyone says Liverpool' - Gerard Pique quizzed on Xabi Alonso succeeding Jurgen Klopp
Gerard Pique says he is not surprised to see Xabi Alonso linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Former Spain international Gerard Pique says he is not surprised to see Xabi Alonso linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
And the 2010 World Cup winner claimed his former international colleague was always destined to become a top manager as the Bayer Leverkusen boss continues to be named as a potential successor to Klopp at Anfield.
Alonso's Leverkusen have a 10-point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga and will meet West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League ahead of a semi-final with either AC Milan or Roma, should the German side get past David Moyes's men.
The draw has set up the potential for a mouthwatering clash with Liverpool at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin if Klopp's side can beat Atalanta in the quarter-finals and one of either Benfica or Marseille in the last four. And Pique is intrigued by talk of his ex-colleague succeeding Klopp.
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"For sure, I could see he had what it took to be a successful manager," ex-Barcelona star Pique told Sky Sports. "He absolutely loves football. He understands how to play the game and it's very similar to Sergio Busquets.
"Busquets is still playing but he will be another incredible coach. Xabi has demonstrated at Bayer Leverkusen why he is so highly regarded.
"He is having the perfect season in not losing. Let's see next year what he's doing. Everyone says Liverpool will be an option after Klopp leaves, so let's see."
Alonso's Leverkusen team return to action when they host Hoffenheim on March 30.