Coach Xabi Alonso sees Leverkusen as a suitable environment to develop his coaching career next season, ending rumors that he will move to Bayern or Liverpool this summer.
On March 29, at a press conference before the match against Hoffenheim in round 27 of the Bundesliga, Alonso confirmed that he would continue to stick with Leverkusen, thereby blowing away rumors of succeeding Thomas Tuchel at Bayern or Klopp at Liverpool. Alonso said that he met with CEO Simon Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro during the international break to announce this decision.
The Spanish coach stressed that he had carefully analysed and considered Leverkusen the right place to continue his coaching career. He felt respected by all members of the team, even in difficult times, and the commitment, desire and determination of the players. "Putting all that together, I believe this important decision was the right one. I am still young and time will tell, but I am happy now," said Alonso.
Coach Xabi Alonso (second from right) and Leverkusen players thank the audience after the 3-2 win over Freiburg in round 26 of the Bundesliga on March 17. Photo: Reuters
Leverkusen are in the midst of a historic season, unbeaten in 40 games since the start of the season and holding the top spot in the Bundesliga with 70 points after 26 games, 10 points ahead of Bayern. Alonso's side will face West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals and second-tier Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German Cup semi-finals.
Asked about interest from Bayern and Liverpool, Alonso replied: "It would be wrong for me to talk about other clubs right now. Bayern and Liverpool are clubs that I respect. I played there, I have a strong connection with them, but it would be wrong for me to talk about them right now. What is more important is that I have the belief that I am in the right place, at Leverkusen, that I want to continue to develop with the club and the players."
Klopp was later asked about Alonso's decision at a press conference ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Brighton. "A young coach is at a club where he does well and I can sympathise. I did the same and never regretted it," the German replied. "Alonso is doing an incredible job at Leverkusen. Alonso could have kept the team for next season and that's not always the case. I understand Alonso's decision."
Klopp led Dortmund from 2008 to 2015, with the highlight being winning the Bundesliga two seasons in a row from 2010 to 2012. This was also the last time the Bundesliga title belonged to a club other than Bayern. In 2022, Klopp revealed that Bayern had approached him while he was working at Dortmund.
Hong Duy
Source link
Comment (0)