Alonso to stay on as Leverkusen boss amid interest from Bayern and Liverpool

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso ended speculation of a potential move to one of his former clubs Liverpool or Bayern Munich in the close season when the Spaniard said on Friday (Mar 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 and a reported target for top clubs after leading his team through an unbeaten season while challenging for three trophies.

"It's been a season with a lot of speculation regarding my future. We've had many games, we've been busy and focused. I used the international break to reflect better and take a decision," Alonso told reporters.

"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 Juergen Klopp announced his decision to step down from his position at the end of the current 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, but it's not correct for me to speak about them right now," 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,"