'My job is not over here' - Alonso to stay at Leverkusen

According to Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen is the perfect place for him to be at this point in his career.

According to recent reports, Xabi Alonso has announced that he will continue as the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, citing the belief that it is the ideal environment for a fledgling coach like himself to thrive.

Alonso stated that he is certain that it is the correct choice and is content with it.

Leverkusen is close to winning their first-ever Bundesliga title and have not suffered a single defeat in any of their matches this season.

Alonso, a previous Liverpool player who is currently 42 years old, was considered by some as a potential option to become the next coach at Bayern Munich, another team he played for in the past. This comes as the current manager, Thomas Tuchel, is set to depart from his position at the conclusion of the season.

Last week, Alonso told Leverkusen's executives that he would be remaining at the team.

He said that there has been a lot of talk about his future. However, due to the number of games they have had, he has not had the time to think about it. Therefore, he wanted to use the international break to contemplate and make a decision.

The team has provided me with numerous reasons to continue believing in them, including their dedication, ambition, and eagerness to achieve success this season. However, I am aware that my responsibilities extend beyond this point.

Alonso joined Liverpool in 2004 after playing for Real Sociedad. He played in 210 games for the club and was part of the team that won the Champions League in 2005.

He departed in 2009 to become a part of Real Madrid - a different squad he has been recently associated with - and transferred to Bayern after five years before ultimately ending his career as a player in 2017.

When asked about the interest he had received from two of his previous clubs, Alonso responded by saying that he does not find it appropriate to discuss other clubs, particularly when they are in a difficult situation. He acknowledged that he has a special connection with certain clubs due to his experience playing there and therefore, he holds these clubs in high regard and has a deep sense of respect for them.

I strongly believe that Bayer Leverkusen is the perfect place for me and I am eager to continue developing alongside my teammates.

We have pondered the matter extensively. I prefer to relish my current location and I am thoroughly enjoying myself in Leverkusen.

Alonso started coaching with Real Madrid's Under-14 team in 2018, and after that, he was in charge of Real Sociedad's B team for three years.

Alonso was appointed as a first-team football manager by Leverkusen in October 2022. He took over the club when it was second from bottom in the Bundesliga and successfully led them to finish in sixth place.

Leverkusen is currently ten points ahead of reigning champions Bayern with eight games left in the season under the leadership of their coach's first complete term in charge.

They have also qualified for the semi-finals of the German Cup and made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Klopp Empathizes With Alonso's Choice

The leader of Liverpool, Klopp, stated that he understands why Alonso chose to stay with Leverkusen and mentioned his own background as a manager.

The German person complimented him, saying that he is doing an amazing job in his current position. Leverkusen has a competent squad, and it is likely that they will remain together. It is not a frequent occurrence, so the German person understands why he would want to keep the team intact.

Klopp initiated his career as a manager with Mainz before switching to Liverpool in 2015. Later, he guided Borussia Dortmund to consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.

He stated, "As I was in a comparable condition to Alonso while being in a club, I opted for the same approach. Moreover, I have never lamented my decision."

Liverpool and Leverkusen have the possibility of encountering each other in the Europa League championship match in May. This occasion could mark the end of Klopp's tenure as manager of the Liverpool team.

Liverpool may search for alternative options to take over from Klopp, as they reportedly have their sights set on Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Brighton's Roberto de Zerbi as potential candidates.