Xabi Alonso staying at Bayer Leverkusen despite Liverpool and Bayern Munich interest

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be staying on as manager of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen this summer despite interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

The Spaniard took over at Leverkusen in October 2022 guiding the German side out of the relegation zone and up to a sixth-place finish in his first campaign as a manager.

His team are on the brink of a historic season this time round in which they are unbeaten in all competitions and are on the brink of winning their first ever Bundesliga title. They currently enjoy a 10-point advantage over second-place Bayern with eight games to go.

Leverkusen are also through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League – when they will take on Premier League side West Ham United – and the German Cup semi-finals – which sees them face Fortuna Dusseldorf.

And his success has caught the attention of Bayern and Liverpool whose current managers, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp, will both be leaving at the end of the season.

But despite the interest of two clubs where Alonso starred during a glittering playing career, the 42-year-old has decided he is in the “right place” to continue his fledgling managerial one.

“It's been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future,” said Alonso ahead of Leverkusen's home clash with Hoffenheim on Saturday.

“Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

“At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach. 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. The fans they have shown great support and they have