As fans, we're not the only cohort who is looking at Leverkusen under Xabi and drooling.
Players can be just as impressionable and at the top end, those in demand, the coach/manager can often be the clinching argument in making that decision. Does Thiago leave Munich without Klopp's warm embrace? Does Virgil come without his illicit liaison with Jurgen in Blackpool? Does Mascherano swerve Barcelona (pre-OFC) without Rafa's salt and pepper pot demonstration?
Throw in Alonso's world class reputation and playing career on top of his unprecedented achievement with "Neverkusen", and it's a very potent mix. We have already had claims from Florian Wirtz's dad that his son will follow Xabi anywhere. Like it or not, players will be swayed by the coach, not THE reason to sign for Liverpool but certainly an additional factor or cachet for some, a tipping point for others, in the same way they just won't be immediately enthralled by the likes of De Zerbi, Nagelsmann, and yes, for all his good work/data, Amorim. And that will also apply to a selection of our current playing squad, Trent in particular, who we absolutely need to retain.
