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Yesterday — 3 February 2026Main stream

Liverpool working towards appointing manager Jurgen Klopp called ‘exceptional’

3 February 2026 at 17:09

Liverpool are working on plans to replace struggling manager Arne Slot after a disappointing season.

Having spent a massive amount on new signings last summer, Slot has struggled to keep the club competitive at the top level.

Since October, Liverpool have struggled to keep up pace with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings.

Although their performances have been impressive in the Champions League, they have failed to have the same impact in the Premier League.

The signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and others have so far not completely lived up to expectations, possibly without the exception of Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool identify Alonso as managerial target

Although nothing is decided at the moment, according to Fichajes, the Reds are interested in appointing Spanish manager Xabi Alonso as the next leader of the club.

Alonso was recently sacked by Real Madrid and despite his tough spell in Spain, he is still highly rated for his impressive work with Bayer Leverkusen where he ended the dominance of Bayern Munich.

The young manager has earned plaudits for his playing style and tactics and the hierarchy at Liverpool have now made up their mind to target the former Liverpool midfielder.

Reds face competition from Premier League rivals Man City

Xabi Alonso looks on
Xabi Alonso looks on (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

It won’t be straightforward for the Reds though since Manchester City are expected to be in the race to appoint Alonso as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain and a report has claimed that he is on the shortlist of Man City to replace the legendary manager.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised Alonso in the past, calling him ‘exceptional‘.

Alonso knows the club well, he knows the sentiments of the fans and the type of football they want to see at the club.

He would be the ideal replacement of Slot at the club and players at Anfield would respect him due to his past success at the club as a player.

“Let’s see what the future holds” – Liverpool star casts doubt over Anfield future with concerning comments

The post Liverpool working towards appointing manager Jurgen Klopp called ‘exceptional’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Three main candidates eyed as Pep Guardiola expected to leave Manchester City this summer

2 February 2026 at 19:03

Manchester City reportedly have Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas as their three main candidates to replace Pep Guardiola.

According to the Telegraph, it is considered increasingly likely that this will be Guardiola’s final season in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

Some sources at Man City have seemingly denied this, but the Telegraph still suggest there are those who feel the club may already be planning for his potential replacement.

It won’t be easy for anyone to follow in Guardiola’s footsteps, with the Spanish tactician winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League and other major honours during his ten years in English football.

Manchester City looking at Xabi Alonso as potential Pep Guardiola replacement

It seems one name high up on City’s list is former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso, according to the Telegraph.

The 44-year-old was recently sacked by Real, but previously did superb work at Leverkusen, so will surely not be out of work for too long.

Xabi Alonso to Manchester City?
Xabi Alonso to Manchester City? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Maresca, meanwhile, could also be under consideration and is also available after being sacked by Chelsea a month ago.

The Italian tactician did a decent job at Stamford Bridge and his dismissal perhaps looked a bit harsh, so he could be a good option to consider, as he’s also someone who’s previously worked under Guardiola.

Guardiola record Won Drawn Lost Win %
Barcelona 179 47 21 72.47
Bayern Munich 121 21 19 75.16
Manchester City 400 83 87 70.18

Cesc Fabregas an outsider for the Man City job?

The Telegraph also name an interesting possible candidate in the form of Como boss Fabregas, who is improving his reputation all the time.

The 38-year-old has over-achieved with Como and one imagines he’ll surely land a bigger job at some point, even if it arguably looks a bit soon for him to be taking on a challenge as big as replacing Guardiola.

City fans will probably be leaning towards Alonso at this stage, but also their main wish will surely be for Guardiola to stay for at least a year or two longer if possible.

The post Three main candidates eyed as Pep Guardiola expected to leave Manchester City this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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