Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro reveals Liverpool-linked Xabi Alonso does not have a clause in his contract with the club
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro explained that Liverpool-linked Xabi Alonso has no written clause in his current contract. Alonso has emerged as the favourite to succeed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp when he leaves the club after the season.
Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role after feeling burnt out in the high-pressured job. The 56-year-old leaves a massive legacy behind and a squad diverse enough in skills and quality to accommodate any tactics.
Alonso, currently directing his focus on the ongoing season, has steered Leverkusen to an unbeaten position atop the Bundesliga table. However, the German club is just two points ahead of Bayern Munich with no margin for error.
Alonso has shown his tactical knowledge and managerial prowess, building up a team with formidability in both defence and offence. The Spaniard uses counter-pressing and possessional philosophy similar to Klopp in many aspects but there are many major tactical differences.
Speaking to CBS Sports Journalist Ben Jacobs (h/t X), Carro indicated that Leverkusen won’t stop Xabi from moving on. He said:
“No, you don’t need a clause; we have a very, very good relationship with Xabi and he knows that we are a serious club. At the end of the day, we are not going to force someone to stay if they don’t want to stay. We want him to feel so good and so happy with us that he really only wants to stay. This is our objective.”
Xabi Alonso, who is doing an amazing job at Leverkusen, is the early bookies favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro told me there's no clause allowing him to leave for #LFC, but added "sometimes agreements that aren't on paper are agreements as well." pic.twitter.com/JrEwK79B49
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 26, 2024
Alonso is a well-documented Liverpool fan with a strong connection with the fanbase which is another important factor. The 42-year-old lacks experience as he has only spent two seasons as manager of a top European club. Xabi’s history under world-class managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Rafa Benitez makes up for it.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool needs to solely focus on the Premier League and the cup competitions this season. Just like Leverkusen, the Reds are at the top of the Premier League table but with no room for distractions. Nevertheless, Xabi remains a worthy potential successor for Klopp and the Kopites would love to see him back at Anfield.
