As rumors linking Xabi Alonso to the Liverpool coaching job continue to circulate, his former coach, Rafa Benitez, has warned him not to rush into the role.

With Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, 42-year-old Alonso has emerged as the main contender to take charge.

However, Benitez, Alonso’s former coach and mentor, has cautioned him about the potential pitfalls of accepting such a prestigious and demanding job.

“He is a big name, good professional, good lad, clever, doing really well with Leverkusen so I understand why [Alonso is being linked],” Benitez told The Times.

“[But] imagine that Steven Gerrard could be around and doing well. Then it would be ‘Gerrard!’

“He has the potential to be a very good manager and if he has good players he will be successful, but then can he do it for five years, ten years? I don’t know.

“He can go to any top side now but they will be expecting to win the title. And if you finish second, maybe it’s a great season but people will say, “Oh, he’s failed”.”

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