Xabi Alonso, who was considered by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, announced on Friday that he will be staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season.
Alonso confirmed his decision at a press conference, stating, “Last week I had a meeting when I informed (Leverkusen’s directors) of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.”
Liverpool had announced in late January that Klopp would step down at the end of the season. Despite speculation linking Alonso to the Liverpool job, the 42-year-old Spaniard dismissed these rumors, stating that Leverkusen is the best place for him to develop as a coach.
“At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach,” Alonso said. “Right now this is the right place. I have to thank the management.”
Alonso has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s success this season, with the team on course for a treble, including their first-ever German league crown. Leverkusen is unbeaten this term with 34 victories and four draws, and are 10 points clear of Bayern Munich, positioning them for their first-ever German title with eight games remaining.
Alonso, a former Spain midfielder, had just been in charge of Real Sociedad B team when he was appointed Leverkusen coach in October 2022. He has already shown his coaching talent by saving Leverkusen from relegation and leading them to a successful season.
Despite rumors linking Alonso to Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, he has opted to remain at Leverkusen, where he feels respected and supported by the club’s management.
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