Dimitar Berbatov believes Liverpool should target Thomas Tuchel if they fail to land Xabi Alonso as their next manager.
Former Bayer Leverkusen striker Berbatov, who also had Premier League spells with Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham, has been impressed with Alonso’s work in Germany – Leverkusen sit eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga – and can understand why Liverpool want him to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.
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However, with Bayern Munich now in the mix following yesterday’s announcement that Tuchel will leave the Allianz Arena in the summer, Berbatov thinks Liverpool need to have a solid back-up option.
And despite Tuchel’s woes at Bayern, he sees the former Chelsea boss as a leading candidate.
He told Betfair: “I think Liverpool should continue to chase Alonso. If they can’t get him then there are other coaches on the market like Thomas Tuchel.
“Tuchel would be the next contender for me to replace Klopp if they miss out on Alonso.
“Sometimes clubs will try to play it safe based on the manager’s reputation or sometimes clubs take a chance and go for a not so big name, but at Liverpool, they have to go for success, and I think Tuchel or Alonso would be a good fit.”
Whether it’s Alonso, Tuchel or anyone else, they will inherit a squad pushing for this season’s Premier League title.
Last night’s rousing 4-1 defeat of Luton moved Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table, although second-placed Manchester City do have a game in hand.
