Liverpool target Xabi Alonso says staying as Leverkusen coach

 

Xabi Alonso, who was seen by many as Liverpool’s top target to replace Jurgen Klopp as their manager, said on Friday he is staying at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen next season.

“It’s been a season of speculation regarding my future,” he told a press conference.

“Up till now we have been busy and focused on the season and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

“Last week I had a meeting when I informed (Leverkusen’s directors) of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” added Alonso.

Liverpool, in late January, had announced that their manager would step down at the end of the season.

In a short statement on X, the club revealed that the German communicated his decision to leave to the ownership.

Alonso had also immediately dismissed speculation he could replace Klopp at Liverpool