Xabi Alonso to Remain at Bayer Leverkusen, to Liverpool's Disappointment
With Leverkusen on the brink of securing the Bundesliga title, it appears Alonso is inclined to stay on, especially with the Champions League on the horizon.
Liverpool is set to abandon their pursuit of Xabi Alonso for the managerial role, as indications grow stronger that he will continue with Bayer Leverkusen into the next season.
With Leverkusen on the brink of securing the Bundesliga title, it appears Alonso is inclined to stay on, especially with the Champions League on the horizon.
Consequently, Liverpool's focus is shifting towards Rúben Amorim of Sporting and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi as potential successors to Jürgen Klopp. This development is a disappointment for Liverpool fans who were eager to see Alonso step into Klopp's shoes. This situation also presents a significant challenge for Fenway Sports Group's new CEO Michael Edwards and the incoming sporting director Richard Hughes.
Klopp himself has hinted at the strong fan sentiment favouring Alonso for the managerial position during discussions about the Spaniard's coaching achievements.
“The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is the standout in that department,” the Liverpool manager said.
“A former world-class player, obviously coaching family as well which helps a little bit. He was like a coach already when he was playing.
“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did – it was absolutely exceptional. Obviously when you look through the Europa League, Leverkusen is one of the favourites there as well so that could be the season for Leverkusen. Really crazy.”
Liverpool's bid for Alonso was challenged by Munich, yet the 42-year-old seems committed to Leverkusen's achievements, leading them to a 10-point advantage over Bayern in an undefeated season.
As Bayern seeks a replacement for the departing Thomas Tuchel, they had their sights set on the ex-midfielder known for his time at Anfield and the Allianz Arena. Nonetheless, Alonso's representatives have clearly stated that now is not the time for a change. Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, acknowledged on Thursday that acquiring Alonso would be "impossible."
“We’ll have to see if we can do it this year,” he said. “It will be difficult, if not probably impossible.
“[Alonso] is more inclined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in view of their current successes, because he would not want to leave them behind,” Hoeness said. “Let’s say if he had two or three more years of success, it would probably be easier to bring him out of there.”
Amorim stands out as one of Europe's top coaching talents, having led Sporting to the Portuguese championship in 2021. With Sporting poised to clinch the title again this season, it's reported that Amorim's contract includes a £17m buyout clause.
De Zerbi, known for his victorious encounters with Liverpool while at Brighton, will have a further opportunity to showcase his skills to the Liverpool management when his team visits Merseyside this coming Sunday.
Liverpool, under Klopp's guidance, may very well face Alonso's Leverkusen in the Europa League final scheduled for May, presenting a notable clash.