'Everyone says Liverpool' - Gerard Pique quizzed on Xabi Alonso succeeding Jurgen Klopp

Gerard Pique says he is not surprised to see Xabi Alonso linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

And the 2010 World Cup winner claimed his former international colleague was always destined to become a top manager

Alonso's Leverkusen have a 10-point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga and will meet West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the Europa League

The draw has set up the potential for a mouthwatering clash with Liverpool at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin if Klopp's side can beat Atalanta in the quarter-finals and one of either Benfica or Marseille in the last four

Pique is intrigued by talk of his ex-colleague succeeding Klopp.

Pique

"For sure, I could see he had what it took to be a successful manager,"

"He absolutely loves football. He understands how to play the game and it's very similar to Sergio Busquets."

"Busquets is still playing but he will be another incredible coach. Xabi has demonstrated at Bayer Leverkusen why he is so highly regarded.

"He is having the perfect season in not losing. Let's see next year what he's doing. Everyone says Liverpool will be an option after Klopp leaves, so let's see."