Liverpool fans want Xabi Alonso as new under-23 manager

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Liverpool yesterday allowed their under-23 head coach Neil Critchley to leave and take up the managerial position at League One outfit Blackpool.

The 41-year-old had served Liverpool with distinction during six-and-a-half years with the academy.

He had held several positions at the club, most recently managing the under-23s and getting several players ready for first-team football.

Following his departure, the club will probably look for a new member of staff to arrive and oversee the under-23 development.

Looking at Twitter, supporters are under no illusions as to who they want to replace Critchley, with a former midfield maestro on the lips of lots of fans.

Xabi Alonso played for Liverpool for five years having arrived from Real Sociedad in 2004.

In 210 games for the Reds, he scored 19 goals, including one in the memorable Champions League Final of 2005 where Liverpool came from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan.

He is currently in charge of the Real Sociedad B team but might jump at the chance to return to Liverpool.

Alonso is viewed as a modern-day legend at Anfield and won the Champions League for a second time with Real Madrid.

Here is a selection of tweets from Liverpool supporters who believe Alonso is tailor-made for the vacancy.