MUNICH – Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso ended speculation of a potential move to one of his former clubs Liverpool or Bayern Munich, when the Spaniard said on March 29 that he was committed to staying with the Bundesliga leaders.
Alonso, who has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, has become the talk of Europe after leading them through an unbeaten season while challenging for three trophies.
“It’s been a season with a lot of speculation regarding my future,” said Alonso. “We’ve had many games, we’ve been busy and focused.
“I used the international break to reflect better and take a decision. Last week I had a meeting (with club officials) and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen... I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach.”
Alonso had been linked with the Liverpool and Bayern jobs, with both their coaches leaving at the end of the season.
In January, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down at the end of the campaign, while Bayern said they were cutting short Thomas Tuchel’s stint despite a contract until 2025.
“It wouldn’t be correct for me to speak about other clubs in this situation. They are clubs I respect, I played there, I have strong links to them,” Alonso added.
“It’s more about the conviction I have that I am in the right place, at Bayer Leverkusen, that I want to keep growing with the club and the players.”
Klopp said he could relate to Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen and develop the team.
“I did the same and never regretted it. Xabi is doing an incredible job at Leverkusen,” said the German manager.
“He will probably keep the team together this year, it’s not always like that. I understand he wants to do that.”
Alonso joined Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were mired in a relegation battle, eventually turning things around and leading them to a sixth-placed finish to qualify for the Europa League and earn a contract extension until 2026.
This season, he has guided Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga where they are 10 points clear of reigning champions Bayern with eight games left, while they are also unbeaten in 38 matches in all competitions – a German record.
Alonso’s side are also in the semi-finals of the German Cup as well as the quarter-finals of the Europa League. REUTERS
