Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso played together 155 times at Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup. Gerrard revealed that he would have preferred Xabi Alonso as Klopp's successor at Liverpool. The current Chelsea manager was still leading Bayer Leverkusen at the time and was strongly linked with the vacant Anfield job, but ultimately chose to stay.

In January 2024, when Klopp announced he would leave after the season, Alonso was in his second season at Bayer Leverkusen and his first full season as a manager. He took over the managerial position in October 2022, succeeding Gerardo Seoane.

By that time, the Spaniard had already begun transforming Bayer Leverkusen into a new powerhouse in German football, eventually leading them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal success. Alonso also took the team to the Europa League final and delivered an impressive Europa League campaign.

So at the end of that season, Alonso chose to stay with his team rather than leave, and Arne Slot took over Liverpool. Gerrard said that Alonso had been his preferred candidate to succeed Klopp.

When asked whether the 44-year-old manager and Gerrard have spoken since Alonso became Chelsea manager, the Liverpool legend said: "We've chatted a few times via messages, but we haven't had a phone call or met in person yet. But I will see him. I definitely will. I'll go to matches."

Gerrard continued: "I wanted him to go to Liverpool. It was between him and Slot at the time, right? Slot did a great job winning the league in his first season, but I wanted Alonso back then."

When asked whether Gerrard would have joined Alonso's coaching staff if Alonso had become Liverpool's new manager in 2024, Gerrard said: "Of course I would have. But I think Alonso already has his team at Bayer Leverkusen."

"He's probably been building his coaching staff and team for a long time. When you get your coaching badges and move toward the end of your playing career, you probably think, 'If I'm really going down this path, I want to build this team.'"

"For example, he doesn't need someone like me. It would be interesting to see him manage Liverpool, but I'm more interested in what he does at Chelsea."

Gerrard added: "I think he's made a pretty good start. There have been a few setbacks, and if you look closely, they might still be conceding too many goals, but he has a squad with tremendous potential."

"He's a very attractive manager. I like his proactive attacking style, and I'm grateful for everything he did at Bayer Leverkusen. He deserves this opportunity, and he's made a pretty good start. It's really interesting."

When asked whether Alonso can lead Chelsea to compete for the Premier League title this season, Gerrard said: "I think they'll fall a little short. I think they'll dominate 70 to 80 percent of their opponents in the league. Their attacking power and talent are so strong."

"If they continue to play like this, I think they'll score more goals in 70 percent of their games. Where I think they might be slightly lacking is in defence. Will their defence be strong enough to challenge for the title based on their first season?"

"I'd say they're still a bit short, but now is a good time for Chelsea and their fans, and the future looks promising. There are good players in the squad. If they continue to make smart signings and improve the squad, I don't think it will take long for them to challenge for the title alongside Alonso and his team."

"But this season might be a bit too soon..."

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