Why Xabi Alonso Chose to Remain at Bayer Leverkusen Amid Liverpool and Bayern Munich Interest

Why Xabi Alonso Chose to Remain at Bayer Leverkusen Amid Liverpool and Bayern Munich Interest

Robert Abong'o
updated at March 30, 2024 at 12:41 AM
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  • Xabi Alonso has chosen to extend his coaching tenure at Bayer Leverkusen
  • The Spanish manager was linked with moves to Liverpool or Bayern Munich
  • Leverkusen is on track for a treble and aiming for their first German league title

Bayer Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has explained his rationale for extending his tenure with the German club despite enticing offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

In a long-awaited announcement on Friday, March 29, Alonso confirmed his commitment to Die Werkself for another season, brushing aside speculations linking him to other elite clubs.

Explaining his decision, the former Real Madrid midfielder pointed out his ongoing journey with Leverkusen, stressing the mutual growth between himself and the team.

Xabi Alonso, has quashed rumours about a move away from Bayer Leverkusen. Photo: Christoph Reichwein.
Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso, is staying with the club for one more season. Photo: Christoph Reichwein.
Source: Getty Images
“It’s a process. The process and the development of the team is in parallel as mine as a manager. This is my first complete season as a manager, so I think I still have many things to prove myself," said Alonso, as quoted by Daily Post Nigeria.

He further highlighted his contentment and stability within the club that facilitated their collaboration across various fronts.

The 42-year-old Spaniard has been instrumental in steering the club towards a potential treble, with the club eyeing their maiden German league triumph. Despite tempting propositions from other clubs where he previously plied his trade as a player, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to Leverkusen.

The team's flawless record this season, boasting 34 wins and four draws, has positioned them as frontrunners in the Bundesliga, sitting comfortably ahead of perennial champions Bayern Munich by 10 points. With just 8 games remaining, Leverkusen is poised to secure their first-ever league title, a feat Alonso is eager to achieve.

As speculation swirls regarding Jurgen Klopp's potential successors at Liverpool, Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim has emerged as the likely replacement, as reported by Evening Standard.

Sir Alex Ferguson backs Alonso

Sports Brief reported that Sir Alex Ferguson said he was entirely behind Bayer Leverkusen and would love to see Alonso's men win the title ahead of Bayern.

The club has never tasted Bundesliga glory, finishing as runners-up on five occasions without winning the trophy.

Fergie won the Premier League a record 13 times.

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Robert Abong'o
Editor - Africa Team