Xabi Alonso has shut down rumours that he will leave Bayern Leverkusen this summer, with the former Liverpool star linked with moves to Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Speaking to the press via Patrick Berger, the Bundesliga manager revealed that he will be staying in Germany to continue his work at Leverkusen, with Alonso saying: “Yes, I will stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I am very happy at this club and with this team.”
The 41-year-old coach has enjoyed an incredible debut year in senior management after taking Leverkusen to one game away from a UEFA Europa League final as well as a top-seven finish after a historic bad start for the German side, with Alonso now one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
The Liverpool icon has been linked with a return to Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager and De Telegraaf recently reportedly that Tottenham also had Alonso as their top target to take over this summer, with the Anfield side also linked with the Basque coach.
Indeed, whilst there would be an allure for Alonso to take a top European job, staying with Leverkusen for another year could be exactly what the former Liverpool man needs to take his managerial experience to a new level, with the Bundesliga coach already making waves in Germany.
Alonso is doing the right thing in rejecting Tottenham to stay with Leverkusen
Alonso is leading the line of a new wave of coaches who look ready to replace the old guard, yet whilst there would be a temptation to take a big job so soon in his managerial career, the former Liverpool midfielder is right to reject the likes of Tottenham and Madrid to stay with Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga is the perfect learning ground for a young coach, and with Alonso impressing in his first season with Leverkusen, there’s no telling how far the former Spain international can go after another year in Germany.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
