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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Alonso heavily sought-after following Leverkusen exploits</li><li>Liverpool and Bayern fighting for his signature</li><li>Ex-Liverpool and Madrid star has "clear preference"</li></ul>

Xabi Alonso has 'clear preference' on his next job as Liverpool and Bayern Munich battle for Bayer Leverkusen coach

The two European giants are in the market for a new manager, albeit in entirely different circumstances. Liverpool are looking for a successor to Jurgen Klopp after the legendary German coach <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/jurgen-klopp-leaving-liverpool-reds-boss-bombshell-announcement-quitting-role-shock-video/bltba3be51866395e61" target="_blank">announced he would be stepping down</a> after nine trophy-laden seasons. Bayern, meanwhile, will put an end to a tumultuous period with Thomas Tuchel at the helm, who will part ways with Die Roten after a miserable season - <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/video-bayern-leverkusen-bundesliga-harry-kane-bayern-munich-xabi-alonso-howler-mainz-goalkeeper/blt4e658e976b12fb6e" target="_blank">largely thanks to Alonso's high-flying Leverkusen</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

With Liverpool and Bayern seemingly in a straight shoot-out for Alonso's signature, <a href="https://www.footmercato.net/a5929620108271920021-xabi-alonso-a-une-claire-preference" target="_blank">Foot Mercato</a> reports that the Spaniard has a "clear preference" on his next destination. The French outlet writes that Alonso would lean towards a return to Anfield as he is reportedly keen to take on the "immense challenge" of succeeding Klopp. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/conor-bradley-ben-doak-liverpool-academy-stars-jurgen-klopp/blt3d8b44766e7c3bd0" target="_blank">young crop of stars</a> he would inherit have already shown their worth, after many of them <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/jurgen-klopp-carabao-cup-winning-kids-make-mockery-erik-ten-hag-injury-complaints-man-utd-identity-liverpool/blt752736a0cccb6407" target="_blank">helped beat a near-full-strength Chelsea side</a> in the Carabao Cup on Sunday.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Stability is also thought to be a factor in Alonso's preference. Liverpool would offer the Spaniard greater structure than Bayern, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/thomas-tuchel-sacked-bayern-munich-trapped-never-ending-horror-film/blta5642ababda32275#cs2347a4eb56695440" target="_blank">who have been in disarray since before Tuchel took over</a>. Former boss Julian Nagelsmann clashed with key figures such as Manuel Neuer, while Sadio Mane was involved in a physical altercation with Leroy Sane during Nagelsmann's tenure. A change in board members has prompted no upturn in approach, either, as evidenced by the last-minute fumbling of Joao Palhinha's deal from Fulham in the summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Liverpool may present a more attractive prospect than Bayern, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/jurgen-klopp-leave-liverpool-disaster-club-fans-void-could-impossible-fill/bltc7bb9ca78562e451" target="_blank">succeeding Klopp will be no mean feat</a>. The legendary German coach is still on course for an <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-mentality-monsters-back-carabao-cup-final-win-chelsea-jurgen-klopp-farewell-tour-quadruple/blt5cb81e243157142b" target="_blank">unprecedented quadruple</a> this term, and labelled Sunday's victory at Wembley <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-boss-carabao-cup-triumph-chelsea-most-special-trophy/blt215e56fcd93602fb" target="_blank">his "most special trophy".</a>

WHAT NEXT FOR ALONSO?

Xabi Alonso has 'clear preference' on his next job as Liverpool and Bayern Munich battle for Bayer Leverkusen coach | Goal.com

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is hot property going into the summer, and reportedly has a &quot;clear preference&quot; between Liverpool and Bayern Munich.