Xabi Alonso, who was seen by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, said on Friday he is staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season.
He mentioned at a press conference that there has been a lot of talk about his future this season.
He elaborated that he had been focused on the season until now and wanted to think about his decision during the international break.
Alonso informed Leverkusen’s directors last week about his choice to remain as the coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool had earlier announced that their manager would leave at the end of the season. step down In a brief statement, the club revealed that the German communicated his decision to leave to the ownership.
In late January, Liverpool had announced that their manager would leave at the end of the season.
Alonso immediately dismissed any speculation regarding his potential replacement of Klopp at Liverpool. dismissed speculation he could replace Klopp at Liverpool. dismissed speculation he could replace Klopp at Liverpool.
The 42-year-old Spaniard has Leverkusen on course for a treble, including their first-ever German league crown.
Alonso is focused on developing as a coach and feels Leverkusen, his first senior team coaching post, is the best place for him to continue doing so.
He expressed that Leverkusen is the right place for him to grow as a coach, especially at this stage of his coaching career.
He stated that he feels supported by the club and respected by all departments.
He mentioned that the club had been supportive and that he felt respected by all departments.
Alonso had been linked with moves to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, all clubs where he spent time as a player, having done a stunning job at runaway Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.
Leverkusen are unbeaten this term with 34 victories and four draws and are 10 points clear of Bayern Munich and on track for their first-ever German title with eight games remaining this season.
The former Spain midfielder, who was a member of the side that won the Euro in 2008 and 2012 as well as the 2010 World Cup, is aiming to complete a treble.
Aside from topping the table they are in the final four of the German Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League and could potentially meet Liverpool in the final.
Alonso had just been in charge of the Real Sociedad B team when he was appointed Leverkusen coach in October 2022, but he showed he had natural talent as a coach as he saved them from relegation.
As a player, Alonso won titles in England, Germany and Spain as well as the Champions League twice.
During that time he played under several top coaches, including Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Vicente del Bosque.
Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or winner, Lothar Matthaeus on Wednesday said a move to Liverpool in the summer was “not the right option” for in-demand Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.Lothar Matthaeus stated that a move to Liverpool in the summer was not the best choice for the sought-after Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.Xabi Alonso, who was seen by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, said on Friday he is staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season. “It’s been a season of speculation regarding my future,” he told a press conference. “Up till now we have been busy and focused on […]
AFP
