Alonso confirms he is staying at Leverkusen

BREAKING NEWS | Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will not leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, ending any chance of him replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool Manager.

Liverpool fans are set for further disappointment this afternoon after Xabi Alonso confirmed he will not leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The former Liverpool midfielder has become one of the hottest managerial prospects in Europe, guiding Leverkusen towards their first-ever German Title, and remaining unbeaten so far this season.  Such is his ability and potential, Alonso was seen as the natural person to replace Jurgen Klopp, building on the exciting young squad that Klopp will be leaving behind.

However, yesterday reports began to emerge that Alonso preferred to stay in Germany for one more season, with the manager himself confirming as much at a press conference this afternoon.

Speaking to the media ahead of Leverkusen's match this weekend, Alonso stated that his current club was the "right place" to be as a young manager,

"I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy."

"It's been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future."

"Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision."

"The players, they gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team, for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here."

What next for Liverpool?

Alonso's announcement means Liverpool will need to begin looking at other managerial targets, although there are rumours that the club was already actively looking at alternatives, with Michael Edwards unsure that Alonso could be convinced to leave Leverkusen.

After today's news, Reds fans will be hoping that Edwards and new Sporting Director Richard Hughes have indeed been discussing other targets, as the club will need to act quickly to secure a new manager before the summer transfer window opens.

Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim, and Julian Nagelsmann have all been mentioned, while many players and staff within the club would like to see Pep Ljinders promoted to manager.

Concluding his news conference, Alonso admitted he has strong feelings for Liverpool and Bayern, both of whom he played for, but that his heart is with Leverkusen,

"It wouldn't be correct of me to talk about other clubs when they are in this situation. For sure there are clubs I have a strong link, I played there. So I respect them."

"It's more that the conviction I am in the right place at Bayer Leverkusen and I want to keep growing with the club, growing with the players."

"We have speculated enough. I want to enjoy wherever I am and I am enjoying it at Leverkusen."

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