Stating the obvious, Jurgen's replacement has an almost impossible task and the scrutiny and pressure from the press and outside the LFC Family will be immense. Xabi Alonso has yet to experience this kind of pressure as a manager and may be reluctant to step into the cauldron immediately for fear of blemishing his young and promising managerial career. I think there is a strong business and footballing case to bring in someone with impeccable credentials, instant credibility, status with the LFC family who can steady the ship (to the extent it need steadying, hopefully we continue to soar), neutralize the press and associated nonsense and move forward purposefully for a year or so with a handshake to hand over to Xabi Alonso (perhaps Xabi comes in after year 1 as an assistant). Am I crazy? I think Rafa is uniquely qualified and Jurgen has set us up with revitalized foundations, for which we are all very grateful and his re-build as ahead of plan as he acknowledged. I did not come up with this thought as someone who blindly beats the Rafa drum and every one has pros and cons - and yes I know the old adage about going back to the well a second time - but I believe this is a logical alternative (and yes, I am aware of the historical negative dynamics between the two - at least as reported in the press). I think this is a low risk transition. Apologize if someone else has suggested the same as I haven't read every page of this thread. Crazy?