Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel believes it is too soon for Xabi Alonso to become Liverpool manager despite the Spaniard’s remarkable transformation of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Spaniard joined the German outfit in October 2022 when they were second from bottom in the table.
After recovering to finish sixth in the table, while also reaching the Europa League semi-finals, his first full season at the BayArena has exceeded all expectations even further.
Leverkusen, who have never before won the Bundesliga, currently boast a 10-point lead over Bayern Munich at the top of the table with eight games left to play.
Enjoying an unbeaten season in all competitions, they are also through to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and Europa League quarter-finals as Alonso’s side chase an historic treble.
With Jurgen Klopp confirmed to be stepping down as Liverpool manager in the summer, Alonso is one of the favourites to replace the German.
However, a return to Anfield isn’t the only potential move on offer with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also reportedly keen on his services.
Thomas Tuchel is also leaving Bayern this summer, with the Bavarians providing direct competition for Alonso.
In contrast, Real Madrid supposedly want him to succeed Carlo Ancelotti when the Italian’s contract at the Bernabeu runs out, with Leverkusen confident of retaining him in the meantime.
Of course, Alonso isn’t the only genuine candidate touted as a potential successor for Klopp, with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi, and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann also all under consideration.
Babel played alongside Alonso for two seasons at Anfield, and despite being impressed by his former team-mate’s managerial career to date, he believes the Spaniard would be too big a risk to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.
“I think maybe to replace Klopp, it would be a big risk for him,” the Dutchman exclusively told the ECHO. “Of course, you can see he’s a good manager in the making.
“But the difference with Leverkusen and Liverpool is that with Leverkusen, it’s okay if you do well but with Liverpool, you have to do well. I think it would be better for him to step in at a different time.
“Even though this is the perfect time, I think it will be very difficult and the pressure is very high to replace Klopp.”
Babel, who is a 69-cap Netherlands international, also offered his thoughts on the form of the Dutch players in the Liverpool squad, sharing his delight at Virgil van Dijk’s return to form.
But while the Reds’ captain has been one of the standout players under Klopp this season, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo have both struggled for form and with injuries – coming in for criticism from certain sections of fanbase as a result.
Yet having played alongside Gravenberch at Ajax, and as a former forward who moved directly to the Premier League from the Eredivisie himself, he called for patience when it comes to his former team-mate and Gakpo, before reassuring supporters both will come good for Liverpool in time.
“Obviously it’s clear that Van Dijk’s performances are very important,” he said when reflecting on Liverpool’s season so far.
“I was really happy and pleased to see Gravenberch join last summer.
“I think he needs some time to settle, but once he does, I think he can be a great asset for Liverpool. We will soon all see his talent.
“In my opinion, Gakpo is a great player. It of course depends on how Liverpool plays and who the opponent is, whether he plays as false nine or the left winger. He can play them both.
“Also for him, it’s not easy to come from Holland to the Premier League. You always need a little bit of time.
“There are so many players I remember who weren’t immediately great all the time. That’s football, the Premier League is very tough. But once they settle and get the confidence, I’m sure they will be fine.”
