Xabi Alonso has dismissed talk linking him with managerial roles at Liverpool and Bayern Munich next season, as transcribed by Fabrizio Romano. The 42-year-old has gained recognition as one of Europe’s most promising coaches since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. His side currently sits atop the Bundesliga table, eight points clear of defending champions, Bayern. Alonso’s side are also unbeaten in 31 matches in all competitions this season (won 27, drawn four).
Klopp And Tuchel To Leave After 2023/24 Season Ends
🚨 Xabi Alonso on his future: “Bayern, Liverpool? I have nothing new to say”.
“Right now I'm Bayer Leverkusen coach and that's certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say”.
“Call received from Bayern? That’s only hypotetical, again — I have nothing new to say”. pic.twitter.com/8EoAA0PAHu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 22, 2024
Xabi Alonso Wanted By Liverpool And Bayern Munich
Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the start of 2024, while Thomas Tuchel will be on his way out of Bayern Munich at the end of the season following the club’s abysmal run which could see them miss out on the league title for the first time in 11 years.
Alonso, who spent time playing at both teams, has, unsurprisingly, been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant manager positions. The Spaniard holds a special place in the hearts of Reds fans, having clinched an unexpected Champions League title in his debut season and playing a key role in the memorable 2008/09 Premier League title race against Manchester United.
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However, his connections to Germany, could make a move to Munich from Leverkusen less disruptive than returning to England. The Bavarians are quietly confident of landing Alonso, according to a report from BILD. The report also claims that the manager has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leverkusen and they would be open to a conversation if any of his former clubs came calling. Sport1’s Christopher Michel added that the German champions will have to pay a release clause which is in the region of £12 million to £17 million.
Alonso Focused On Leverkusen’s Title Charge
Ahead of this weekend’s game against relegation-threatened Mainz, he insisted his focus is only on his current role and leading his side to their first title in over 30 years. “Right now I am Bayer Leverkusen’s coach and that’s certain,” he reiterated. “Maybe you have questions about my future, I have nothing new to say about that. I wanted to say that in advance. Right now I’m the coach here, that’s for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we’ll see.”
His success with Leverkusen earned him high praise from Klopp who said he was doing an “incredible job”. “For me this [speculation] is not a problem,” added Alonso, who is under contract until 2026. “I know that my goal is to be successful with my team. That is my job. We are currently in a good position and we want to keep at it.”
Read More: Bayern Munich CEO Makes Huge Thomas Tuchel Decision After Loss To VfL Bochum
The club, known as ‘Neverkusen’ due to their history of narrowly missing out on major titles, are determined to shake off that reputation. With a comfortable eight-point lead over Bayern, the former Spanish international is determined to lead Leverkusen to success in the remaining 12 games of the season.
