Liverpool warned about hiring Xabi Alonso by ex-Reds boss Rafa Benitez as Spaniard claims 'everything is going too fast' for Bayer Leverkusen coach

Following his success in leading Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga this year, Alonso is the clear frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Under Benitez's direction, the Spaniard flourished as a player at Liverpool, serving as one of the team's pivotal midfielders during their 2005 Champions League victory. Alonso's potential as a top coach was evident throughout his playing career, in Benitez's opinion, but he has issued a warning that the clamour for him to take over as Liverpool manager shouldn't pressure him into making the switch.

Talking to The Times, the former Newcastle boss said: “He was clever and analysed. When you explain things to some players, you have to repeat them. Xabi was one who learned quickly.

“He’s a big name, good professional, good lad, clever, doing really well so I understand why [Alonso is being linked with Liverpool]. [But] imagine Steven Gerrard was around and doing well. Then it would be: ‘Gerrard!’ With social media everything is going too fast so that people don’t see the big picture.

“He was in the academy, then the second team at Real Sociedad. That gives you some experience and then he went to Germany. It’s not easy to go to a new country and be successful, so he has done well. He has the potential to be a very good manager and if he has good players he will be successful, but then can he do it for five years, ten years? I don’t know.

“He can go to any top side now but they will be expecting to win the title. And if you finish second, maybe it’s a great season but people will say, ‘Oh, he’s failed.’ ”

With an outstanding undefeated record in all competitions this season, Die Schwarzroten currently lead Bayern by eight points at the top of the table. During Jupp Heynckes' 2010–11 season, Leverkusen came the closest to winning the championship in their history by finishing second and the Spaniard is now on his way to creating club history. In addition to leading the league, they have advanced to the round of 16 of the Europa League, where they will take on Qarabag, and they are in the DFB-Pokal semifinals.

The Spaniard has been linked with Bayern Munich as well, as the Bavarians look to replace Thomas Tuchel next season after they announced earlier this season that the club would be parting ways with the German. Only the end of the season will show where Alonso heads unless he stays put at BayArena as suggested by Benitez.