I played with Xabi Alonso at Liverpool – you always knew he would be a great manager but I have major reservation too

PETER CROUCH has given his verdict on Xabi Alonso potentially landing the Liverpool job.

The Reds are searching for a new manager with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the season.

Alonso, 42, is the leading candidate to take over amid his incredible run at Bayer Leverkusen.

The German club have not lost a game this season and are on course to win the Bundesliga, while remaining in the hunt for Europa League and DFB-Pokal glory.

He has been in charge of Leverkusen since October 2022 but Crouch is concerned over his lack experience amid the Spaniard's potential return to Anfield.

Crouch, who was Alonso's team-mate for three seasons at Liverpool, said: "I think he’s the standout candidate.

"He’s done incredible things at Leverkusen, knows the club inside out.

"I’ve played with him, I know the person. He’s a fantastic person, very studious, was always asking questions and you knew he was going to be a manager.

"But it is very early days and Liverpool is a massive club and you’ve got to follow Jurgen Klopp.

"Only time will tell."

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Alonso is also in the running to be appointed Bayern Munich manager, with Thomas Tuchel leaving in the summer.

Reports in Germany claim Alonso prefers a move to the Bavarian giants amid concerns that following on from legend Klopp will be too challenging.

Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Germany gaffer Julian Nagelsmann, Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.