Alan Brazil claims he’s been told that Liverpool players ‘wouldn’t mind’ surprise Jurgen Klopp replacement… and it’s not Xabi Alonso

Alan Brazil has revealed that he has been told there is a candidate in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp that the players would be happy with.

Klopp will be leaving at the end of the season, leaving a massive hole to fill for his successor.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the current frontrunner to take over at the club where he won multiple trophies as a player.

Alonso has been performing miracles with Leverkusen, who running away with the Bundesliga and unbeaten in 38 matches in all competitions.

While there is no doubt he would be received well Brazil says the squad with also be happy with another man.

‘I am told the players wouldn’t mind the number two, Pep [Lijnders] taking over,’ Brazil said on talkSPORT.

Former Liverpool attacker Dean Saunders replied: ‘I heard that as well. At least he [Lijnders] knows what’s going on there. It’s difficult, who do you give the job to? That club is that big.’

Lijnders has been Klopp’s assistant since 2018. He is in the midst of his second spell with the club after working with Brendan Rodgers between 2014 and 2017. 

He does have some managerial experience, having taken charge of NEC for four months between those two spells. He was sacked after failing to gain promotion to the Eredivisie via the play-offs.

The Dutchman began his coaching career at PSV before spending eight years as assistant at Porto.