Xabi Alonso rates Liverpool's chances of winning Europa League

Xabi Alonso believes Liverpool are the favourites to win this season's Europa League.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss remains among the top targets for Liverpool as they seek a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who will step down in the summer, but fans were denied the chance to see the two square off in the Europa League quarter-final.

Liverpool were drawn against Atalanta in Friday's draw, while Bayer Leverkusen were paired with West Ham United. The two teams have, however, been drawn on opposite sides of the bracket and could meet in the final.

Giving his thoughts on the remainder of the competition, Alonso said: "There are only top teams in the competition.

"But for me, Liverpool are the favourites to win this competition."

Liverpool remain keen on Alonso and will soon begin to step up their search for a new manager. The Reds have prioritised addressing the vacancies in the boardroom, striking a deal which will see Michael Edwards return in a senior role to lead the rebuild of the club. Richard Hughes is expected to follow as sporting director.

Whether the new hierarchy will retain Liverpool's current interest in Alonso remains to be seen, but Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is hoping to continue working with the Spaniard for a little while longer.

"His head is definitely here," Xhaka said.

"The fact that he will take the next step at some point is just football. Of course, we hope that we will continue to work with him for years to come and take the next steps together as a team."

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