As of: March 31, 2024, 11:03 a.m
By: Patrick Mayer
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FC Bayern's search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel continues. Xabi Alonso distances himself from a possible engagement in Munich.
Leverkusen - He is perhaps the most sought-after coach in football Europe at the moment: Xabi Alonso from Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen. FC Bayern also makes no secret of its courting of the man who once shone as a (former) player in the Allianz Arena.
Rejection of FC Bayern: Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen
But: On Friday afternoon (March 29th), the 42-year-old Spaniard announced surprisingly early and remarkably clearly that he would be staying at Bayer 04 beyond this season. The world and European champion clearly rejected rumors about a possible change.
Because of a downright exhilarating season with the Rhinelanders, the former Bundesliga professional had drawn massive interest to himself. Alonso is also said to have been a candidate to succeed Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool FC in England. That's not all: Alonso apparently forbids himself from even speaking publicly about the advertising from Munich and Liverpool.
Bayer Leverkusen coach: Xavi Alonso. © IMAGO / Werner Otto
Xabi Alonso stays in Leverkusen: No move to Bayern or Liverpool
The Basque said at the press conference for the Bundesliga game against 1899 Hoffenheim (2-1): “I don't think it would be right for me to talk about all these clubs in this situation. These are certainly clubs (
Liverpool and Bayern, editor
) with which I have a strong relationship. I played there, I respect them. But I'm in the right place at Bayer Leverkusen. I want to continue with the club and with the players and learn from them. At this point, as a young coach, it’s too early to talk about things like that.”
These are certainly clubs (Liverpool and Bayern, editor) with which I have a strong relationship. I played there, I respect them. But I'm in the right place at Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso continued: “The contract (
until 2026, editor
) corresponds to my wishes. That's why we won't start speculating about my future now. We have speculated enough up to this point. I always enjoy where I am. And right now I'm in Leverkusen. I am happy. The club's ambitions and my demands match. I want to be with them. That is my decision and my wish for the future.”
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Xabi Alonso makes a decision: Spaniard clearly replies to Bayern rumors
At the beginning of the media round on the 27th matchday, on which FC Bayern meets Borussia Dortmund in the classic, Alonso explained his whereabouts with the words: “There were a lot of rumors about my personal future. We've had so many games so far and I wanted some time to reflect on that. I used the international break for this. We had a very good conversation last week, after which I decided to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen. I feel that it is the right place for me. I also feel that my job here is not over yet. If you put it all together, it justifies my decision.”
(pm)