Xabi Alonso’s future garners attention amid Liverpool’s quest for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement. However, Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director has dropped a fresh claim on the Spaniard’s future.
Alonso’s managerial prowess receives further validation as he leads Leverkusen’s charge towards the Bundesliga title. Notably, the last manager to outshine Bayern Munich for the trophy was Jurgen Klopp.
On Saturday, the former Red witnessed his team extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga by five points following a commanding 3-0 victory against Bayern Munich. This performance garnered widespread acclaim from observers.
From the viewpoint of Liverpool, this result serves as further evidence of the managerial prowess of a candidate who is frequently discussed as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp.
Nevertheless, Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, has sought to quell any report regarding the future of their manager. Rolfes expressed confidence Alonso will stay at the club beyond this season.
“Yes I’m sure,” Rolfes told SPORT1 when asked if Alonso would remain at the club beyond this season.
“One [of the reasons] is the contracts. 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 is no change in the team,” said the managing director, listing the sporting aspects and the feel-good factor.
“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 arouse interest from other clubs often stay with us.”
Far from unexpected is the reaction when a manager spearheading a title pursuit is associated with another team, especially one dear to his heart.
Alonso, under contract with Leverkusen until 2026, has seen the possibility of a move to Anfield quashed due to a contract clause, although reports hint at a less formal arrangement.
Nevertheless, Leverkusen are determined to retain Alonso and is prepared to put up a formidable resistance, as one would anticipate. However, Liverpool may not prove so easy to turn away.
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