'The natural heir' - Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher urges club to hire Xabi Alonso to replace departing Jurgen Klopp

Klopp announced on Friday that he would step down as manager at the end of the season. Soon after the news broke, Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso was tipped to succeed the German in the Anfield hotseat. The 42-year-old refused to rule out a return to the Merseyside outfit and now his old Reds team-mate has called on the club to make Alonso their next manager after Klopp.

He said in his Telegraph column: "Klopp never had to learn how to connect with the Kop. It was like he was born to be the Liverpool manager. That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso is already being considered the natural heir. From day one, it was like Xabi was born to be a Liverpool player. As he is my former team-mate, it is no surprise that so many are clamouring for him to be appointed. I would love Xabi to get the chance.

"He ticks all the boxes as a former Liverpool player who knows the club and city, is adored by the fans and has already shown in the Bundesliga that he is one of the most exciting young coaches in the world. His wealth of experience playing under the greatest coaches of his generation – Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola – mean it is only a matter of time before one of the elite clubs appoint him. You can never choose the right time for such an opportunity. It may be now."

This is an end of a hugely significant era in Liverpool's storied history. Klopp has led the Reds to six major trophies, including the 2019 Champions League crown and the 2020 Premier League title. The German has made Liverpool a huge force on the world stage again and choosing the right successor is key. Alonso is thriving at Leverkusen, who are unbeaten this season and sit top of the Bundesliga. An interesting few months lie ahead.

While the news of Klopp's impending exit is a hammer blow for Liverpool, they still have a lot to play for this season. They are still in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and sit top of the Premier League. Everyone involved at the club will want to make this season one to remember so the 56-year-old can bow out on a high.