Who Would You Rather Want As Manager Of Liverpool: Steven Gerrard Or Xabi Alonso?

Given both players are Liverpool legends, it's certainly a tough question to ask but nevertheless, it’s one that is an interesting one to ask.

Despite their almost identical ages with Steven Gerrard being 43 years old and Xabi Alonso 42 years of age, they are no doubt at different stages of their managerial careers.

With the former Liverpool captain currently coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad and the 2010 World Cup winner managing Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, the pair are heading in two different directions in their managerial career.

The question may have a lopsided answer but between Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, who would you rather want as manager of Liverpool?

Steven Gerrard Is Destined To Become Liverpool Manager

Sometimes you just can’t fight destiny. Steven Gerrard being born and raised in Liverpool, began playing for his boyhood club and becoming captain seems like destiny.

The Huyton native spent almost the entirety of his professional career with Liverpool and won every single trophy apart from the Premier League.

While some top players decide not to get into management, Gerrard revered it and after spending time as Liverpool’s under-18 team, he decided to branch out and become head coach of Scottish giants Rangers.

He was a roaring success in the SPL. He won the Scottish Premiership in the 2020/21 season after achieving promotion from the promotion and it wasn’t long before the Premier League started calling.

After joining Aston Villa, it didn’t turn out as many thought as he lasted less than a year before he was sacked. After taking the rest of the season off, he made the surprising decision to join Al-Ittihad with many suggesting the money was the deciding factor.

While it certainly isn’t one of the best leagues in the world, they do have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Karim Benzema playing in Saudi Arabia.

Xabi Alonso Can Become Of The Best Managers In Football

Having been coached by the likes of Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola during his playing days, is it such a surprise that Xabi Alonso has become a top coach in his own right?

After plying his trade with Real Sociedad B for three years, the Spaniard accepted a job with Bayer Leverkusen last year and it’s a been remarkable success thus far.

Leading the club to European football last season, Leverkusen took a dominant outfit in the 2023/24 campaign as they lead the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten and ten points ahead of reigning champions Bayern Munich.

Not only are they undefeated in the Bundesliga, but they have yet to lose a game in any competition this season as they’ve won all five games in the Europa League - the only club to do so.

Reports of Real Madrid’s interest in Alonso have already begun circulating which goes to show how talented the former Spain international really is.

While Jürgen Klopp still has plenty of time on the clock at Liverpool, when the club eventually do appoint his successor, would you rather it be Steven Gerrard or Xabi Alonso?

LFC Verdict

Despite the legendary status Steven Gerrard has at Liverpool, it only makes sense that Xabi Alonso becomes the new manager at Liverpool.

The impressive performances of Bayer Leverkusen this season demonstrate the pedigree of the Spaniard and despite his lack of experience, he is the perfect replacement for Jürgen Klopp.