Xabi Alonso shuns Liverpool, stays as Leverkusen coach

(FILES) Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso is interviewed prior to the German first division Bundesliga football match between SV Darmstadt 98 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Darmstadt, western Germany on February 3, 2024. – Xabi Alonso, who was seen by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, said on March 29, 2024 he is staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)

Xabi Alonso, who was seen by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, said on Friday he is staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season.

The 42-year-old Spaniard has Leverkusen on course for a trophy treble, including their first ever German league crown.

“It’s been a season of speculation regarding my future,” Alonso told a press conference.

“Up till now we have been busy and focused on the season and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

“Last week I had a meeting when I informed (Leverkusen’s directors) of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.”

Alonso said he was still developing as a coach and he felt Leverkusen, his first senior team coaching post, is the best place for him to continue growing.

“At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach,” he said.

“Right now this is the right place. I have to thank the management.

“The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments.”

Alonso has a contract until 2026 but had been linked with moves to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, all clubs where he spent time as a player, having done a stunning job at runaway Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.

Leverkusen are unbeaten this