Bayer Leverkusen chief makes Xabi Alonso claim amid Liverpool managerial links

Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has poured cold water on speculation linking Xabi Alonso with a potential move to Liverpool as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp. Klopp recently announced his decision to step back from his role at the end of the current season, triggering speculation about who might succeed him at Anfield.

Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as a frontrunner for the Liverpool job due to his successful stint with the German club. However, Rolfes has moved swiftly to quash these rumours, citing several factors that make Alonso’s departure unlikely. Here is what he had to say via ECHO:

“One [reason] is the contract. The other thing is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club.”

“He also has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there’s no change in the team. We will definitely have a top team available next year. These are all points that – in addition to contracts – coaches like Xabi, but also players who [attract] interest, often stay with us.”

First and foremost, Alonso is under contract with Leverkusen until 2026 (Transfermarkt), which presents a significant hurdle for any potential suitors. Beyond contractual obligations, Rolfes emphasized the importance of comfort and stability for Alonso and his family, suggesting that the Spanish coach may be content with his current situation at Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen chief makes Xabi Alonso claim amid Liverpool managerial links.

Alonso as a successor to Klopp?

Furthermore, Rolfes highlighted the promising prospects for Leverkusen’s team in the upcoming season, indicating that Alonso may be inclined to stay to see through the club’s ongoing project. Leverkusen’s commitment to maintaining a competitive squad and providing a conducive environment for coaches and players alike adds another layer of reassurance for Alonso.

However, despite Rolfes’ assertions regarding contractual obligations, comfort, and Leverkusen’s promising prospects, Alonso’s deep-rooted ties to Liverpool as a former player could still influence his decision-making process.

Alonso’s enduring connection to Liverpool extends beyond mere sentimentality; his intimate understanding of the club’s culture, values, and ethos could prove invaluable in a managerial role. Having experienced firsthand the unique demands and expectations associated with representing Liverpool, Alonso possesses a rare insight that few other candidates can match. His intimate knowledge of the club’s inner workings, coupled with his astute tactical acumen and leadership qualities, make him a compelling candidate to lead Liverpool into a new era of success.

Xabi Alonso has been a wonderful manager for Leverkusen so far.

While Leverkusen may present a stable and supportive environment for Alonso’s managerial career, the emotional pull of a potential return to Liverpool cannot be underestimated. The prospect of leading his beloved club to further glory and etching his name in Liverpool’s illustrious history books may represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Alonso might find too enticing to resist.

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Ultimately, only time will tell whether Alonso chooses to heed the call of his beloved Liverpool or remain loyal to Leverkusen’s ongoing project. Regardless of the outcome, Alonso’s legacy as a Liverpool legend is secure, and his potential return to Anfield, whether as a manager or in another capacity, promises to be momentous.