Following Liverpool’s victory in the Carabao Cup final, we had the privilege of speaking with Liverpool icon John Barnes in an exclusive interview for Bonuscodebets. During our conversation, Barnes shared his insights on why he believes Xabi Alonso is the ideal candidate for the Liverpool managerial position, rather than taking up the reins at Bayern Munich. Additionally, Barnes provided a spirited defence of forward Cody Gakpo, who has faced criticism for underwhelming performances since his transfer from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool a year ago.
- ‘If Alonso wants a challenge he should replace Klopp and reject Bayern Munich’
- Barnes quashes Gakpo and Firmino comparisons
- ‘Liverpool create more chances than any other Prem team’
‘If Alonso wants a challenge he should replace Klopp and reject Bayern Munich’
Following Bayern Munich’s announcement of their decision to part ways with current manager Thomas Tuchel, it seems the pursuit of Xabi Alonso has narrowed down to a two-horse race. Alonso has captured the attention of the football world with his distinctive style of play and the success he has achieved at Bayer Leverkusen this season. According to Barnes, Alonso should consider the Liverpool managerial position as his next significant challenge after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, if he is seeking a challenging opportunity post-Leverkusen.
“Liverpool and Bayern Munich both have great squads and are both great clubs. If Alonso wants more of a challenge then Liverpool would be more attractive because the Premier League is a much harder competition and replacing Klopp is going to be difficult.
“Bayern Munich regardless of what Bayer Leverkusen have done this season will always be the top team in Germany. With or without Tuchel at Bayern Munich.
“If Alonso wants a cushty life then he’ll likely go to Bayern Munich. Liverpool will be more of a challenge. Is winning the league at Munich a huge achievement? Replacing Klopp and winning the league here is a huge achievement because we’ve seen what happens when successful managers leave a club.
“Both clubs would be suited to him. They have great history, tradition and fans but I would love to see him at Liverpool.”
Alonso is priced at 4/5 on BetVictor to move to Liverpool this summer, whilst the former Reds midfielder is 2/1 to move to Bayern Munich, so it’s certainly going to be an intriguing watch as to where he heads to in the coming months. Be sure to use the BetVictor bonus code when signing up, as they have an eye-catching sign-up offer for new customers.
Barnes quashes Gakpo and Firmino comparisons
Whilst Cody Gakpo isn’t necessarily an out and out goalscorer he’s been credited recently for his selfless attitude to pressing and creating for his team mates. Comparisons have been between Gakpo and former Liverpool and Kop favourite Roberto Firmino? Barnes believes Gakpo is more than capable of playing in the false nine role but sees Firmino as a different type of player to Gakpo.
“Gakpo hasn’t always been used in the Firmino, false nine role because he’s versatile and can play wide or up front. Whereas Bobby was used as an out and out false nine.
“I think it could be Cody’s out and out role at some point. Gakpo and Firmino are different because Cody is more inclined to running and driving with the ball. He’s better in the air and he’s a bigger presence. Firmino is more of a passer, bringing people into play, setting up chances for his team mates.
“Gakpo isn’t that type of player but he’s very capable of playing in that withdrawn role and it’s not something we get from Nunez. He’s getting better and better the more he plays that role.”
‘Liverpool create more chances than any other Prem team’
Liverpool have scored 11 goals in their last three league matches and have blitzing their opponents prior to facing Chelsea last Sunday. Barnes make the bold claim that Liverpool create more chances than any other team in the league.
“Liverpool are just more clinical. It’s not as if we’re creating more chances than we usually do. I’ve seen us create more chances and play better yet score less goals.
“Because of the way Liverpool play, we’re always going to create loads of chances. Our counter attack is very quick and direct. We throw bodies forward, get players into the opposition penalty area and we’re very dynamic in the way we attack.
“Liverpool creates more chances than any other team in the Premier League. Maybe the conversion rate of the chances could be better but chances created, no one will create more. Because we have good players, we will always score goals.
“It’s easy to forget Mo Salah has missed a lot of football so adding him to the mix means we will always score goals aplenty.”
