Richard Keys accuses Xabi Alonso of 'bottling it' by staying at Leverkusen

Richard Keys has accused Xabi Alonso of 'bottling it' after he turned down the Liverpool job to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso had been heavily linked with the managerial position at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave at the end of the campaign.

However, Alonso announced on Friday that he will be staying at Leverkusen, who are on track to win the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.

Alonso could also have potentially taken over at Bayern Munich, with Thomas Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season, or Manchester United, where uncertainty remains over Erik ten Hag's future.

In addition, there was potentially a chance for Alonso to return to Real Madrid at some stage to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Keys stated that he has to question Alonso's 'cojones' for deciding to remain at Leverkusen and pointed out that this is the only time when the four aforementioned high-profile jobs could be available to him.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Keys said: 'Alonso announced yesterday that he is staying. In my opinion that is a huge mistake. At no other time in history will jobs at Liverpool, Munich, Manchester United, maybe Real Madrid will these jobs all be available again.

'Right now he can have his pick. At no other point in his career going forward will he ever be in this luxurious position again, ever. He might get Real Madrid at another time, and now's a good time to get Real.'

Keys also stressed that Leverkusen won't be able to repeat the remarkable season that they are having as he compared it to Leicester's Incredible Premier League title success in the 2015-16 campaign.

Keys said: 'I would question the size of his cojones. Leicester-kusen because Bayer Leverkusen will never again