Liverpool's mission impossible! Why Reds didn't expect to convince Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer - explained

Alonso had been the Reds' main target to replace Klopp given his success with Leverkusen and the Liverpool fans' affinity with their former Spanish midfielder. Yet, The Athletic have reported that the Anfield hierarchy never really believed they had a chance of coaxing Alonso to Anfield this summer and the news that he would be remaining in Germany only confirmed their initial understandings.

The report explains that when Liverpool first contacted Alonso's representatives, they were told that he was concentrating on leading Leverkusen to an unlikely first-ever Bundesliga title and it was unlikely he would be leaving the potential champions in the summer.

In fact, the success Alonso has brought at Leverkusen also convinced him to remain in his post. The Spaniard is intent on leading his team in the Champions League next season and wishes to continue to develop as a coach in Germany.

Alonso's comments on his decision to remain at Leverkusen offer a greater understanding of why Liverpool never held out hope of securing their man. He said: "We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future. I wanted to use the international break to reflect and take a decision. Last week, I had a very good meeting and informed the club my decision to continue being coach.

"My job is not over here. I feel this is the right place for me to be and develop as a coach."

With the expectation that they wouldn't convince Alonso to join in mind, Liverpool have been working on identifying alternative options. Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi has long been linked to the job but Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim is emerging as the new frontrunner.