Liverpool have been dealt a serious blow in the search for a Jurgen Klopp replacement as Xabi Alonso turned down the opportunity to leave Bayer Leverkusen this season.
The Spanish manager plans to stay at Bayer Leverkusen until June 2025. This jaw-dropping news will leave Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as the leading candidate for the Liverpool job.
According to different reports, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also being watched closely by Liverpool.
Liverpool’s recruitment drive led by new sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of football Michael Edwards, are looking forward to interviewing those two managers.
Bayern Munich, who are also in search of a new manager, revealed the fact that it will be impossible to bring Xabi Alonso to Allianz Arena this year.
Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness said, “Alonso is more inclined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in view of their current successes, because he would not want to leave them behind.”
“Let’s say if he had two or three more years of success, it would probably be easier to get him out of there.”
“I personally, and we all, extremely appreciate Xabi Alonso, but you mustn’t forget that he is now training at a club that is currently in the process of becoming German champions.”
Since Alonso became the manager of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, the club has been playing fantastic football. Before joining the club, Bayer Leverkusen was in the relegation zone; Alonso then steered them into the top six.
This season, Bayer Leverkusen are already at the top of the German Bundesliga table. They are 10 points clear of reigning champions, Bayern Munich.
In addition, Bayer Leverkusen are currently unbeaten in all competitions this season, and they are also in the quarterfinals of the Europa League for the second season running.
It has been a historic season for Bayer Leverkusen, with the club likely to lift their first Bundesliga title.
How old is Xabi Alonso?
The manager was born on November 25, 1981, in the city of Tolosa, Spain. He is currently 42 years old, with a height of 6.0 feet.
Xabi Alonso’s Achievements as a Player and Manager
He won Spanish Player of the Year in 2003. Also, Alonso won the World Cup and Two Euros Cup with Spain.
Alonso won the Champions League, La Liga title, UEFA Super Cup, two Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid.
During his Liverpool playing career, he won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and Community Shield.
In Bayern Munich, he won three Bundesliga titles, a German Cup, and a German Super Cup. However, he is yet to win a single title as a manager.
What do you think about Xabi Alonso rejecting Liverpool and Bayern Munich? Air your views in the comments section.
