Xavi Alonso confirmed his decision to continue as Bayer Leverkusen manager next season amidst interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Alonso, 42, has been a prime target for top European clubs following his groundbreaking managerial stint with Bayer Leverkusen in the German topflight.
He has led the Die Werkself en route to their first-ever Bundesliga title this season and has maintained an incredible unbeaten run in all competitions since the start of the season.
His standout campaign with Leverkusen had made the Spaniard a top target for Liverpool in the Premier League and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, who are looking to part ways with their managers at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich reached an agreement to end their collaboration with Thomas Tuchel after the club lost momentum in the Bundesliga title race following back-to-back Bundesliga defeats table-topping Leverkusen and VFL Bochum.
The former Chelsea boss is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, and Xabi Alonso was primed by the Bayern Munich hierarchy to replace the German.
Liverpool are also set to lose their manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. Klopp made a surprise announcement in January 2024 that he will end his 10-year spell with Liverpool as manager as he has run out of energy to continue.
With Klopp set to exit the reins at Anfield, Liverpool were also moving to poach Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen to replace the German. The Reds reportedly requested talks with the Spaniard and were set to be locked in a tight race with Bayern Munich for the services of the in-form manager.
Amidst the jarring of interests by the two clubs, there were reports Alonso could favor a move to Bayern Munich, having garnered experience in the Bundesliga through his spell with Bayer Leverkusen.
However, he still had two years remaining on his contract with Bayer Leverkusen. Sources close to the club revealed Bayer Leverkusen would be open to Xabi Alonso’s exit with the top European clubs ready to sign him but Alonso was certainly set to play a role in his future at BayArena with a decision whether to see out his contract with the club or not.
Xabi Alonso takes decision on Bayer Leverkusen future
Alonso has finally laid to rest speculations on his future with Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga matchday 27 clash with Hoffenheim, the Spaniard revealed he has decided to continue his role as Bayer Leverkusen manager next season.
On why he decided to stay put with the Die Werkself, Alonso stated he is a young manager away from the hype and considers Bayer Leverkusen the best soil to continue growing and honing his skills as a manager.
He also added he reached his decision to stay at the BayArena at least for another season following a reflection on his future during the international break and a meeting with the club’s hierarchy.
“I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club. After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place to be for me”.
“My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.
“I’m still [a] young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.”
“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans,” he said. “I feel that this is the best way, to continue together. I have also informed the players, it’s true. My deadline was this week, it’s a matter of respect. Now everything is clear.”
Jurgen Klopp reacts to Xabi Alonso’s snub
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reacted to Xabi Alonso’s decision to continue as Bayer Leverkusen manager amidst interest by the Reds.
Klopp, who had tipped Xabi Alonso as one of the best hands to succeed him at Anfield, said he totally understood the decision of Alonso to snub bigger offers and stay put with Bayer Leverkusen.
According to him, the Spaniard has made the right decision, being a young manager with a team that is doing well.
“A young manager being at a club where he’s doing really well, I can relate.
“I did the same and never regretted it.
Xabi is doing an incredible job at Leverkusen. He will probably keep the team together this year, it’s not always like that.
“I understand he wants to do that.”
According to Liverpool.com, Liverpool have been forced to make a U-turn on their chase for Xabi Alonso following the latter’s decision to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.
As per the Telegraph, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is leading the race to succeed Jurgen Klopp with the Italian set to be on the spot auditioning for the job when Liverpool take on Brighton in the Premier League.
Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is also linked to the job, including Germany national team Julian Nagelsmann, whose contract with the Die Mannschaft will expire after the 2024 Euros.
