XABI ALONSO has shut down the rumours and confirmed he will stay at Bayern Leverkusen next season.
Fans have been guessing whether the Spanish boss will leave the German side to join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich or Liverpool.
Alonso has done extraordinary things with Leverkusen this season, with his side still unbeaten in all competitions and 10 points clear of second-placed Bayern with eight games remaining in the Bundesliga.
With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel each due to depart their sides at the end of campaign, Alonso was in demand to take over the leading role at one of the clubs.
But the 42-year-old has now confirmed today that he will not be leaving Leverkusen.
He said: “After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision.
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“This is the place to be for me. My job at Bayer is not over.
“I want to help the club, and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.
“I’m still young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.
“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.
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“I have also informed the players, it’s true. My deadline was this week, it’s matter of respect. Now everything is clear.
“I’m not gonna comment about Liverpool or Bayern.
“These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be.
“It’s not time to decide my future now, I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen”.
I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will STAY and continue at the club.
Xabi Alonso
Leverkusen are also looking to secure European glory as they are one of the favourites in the Europa League this season.
They face West Ham in the quarter-finals with the first leg taking place at home on April 11.
Alonso’s mangerial record at Bayern Leverkusen
SINCE arriving in Germany from Real Sociedad in October 2022 Alonso has achieved an impressive record at the Bundesliga club.
In 75 games, Alonso has won 50 and drawn 15 of them. And has not faced a single defeat this season leaving him with a 66 per cent success rate.
During his 18 months at the club, he has lost only 10 times which all occurred last season.
This saw Leverkusen finish sixth in the Bundesliga and reach the semi-finals in the Europa League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
