Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso will remain manager of Bayer Leverkusen, the Spaniard announced on Friday, ending speculation that he would join one of his former clubs Liverpool or Bayern Munich.

Alonso, who has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, has become the talk of Europe and a reported target for top clubs after leading his team through an unbeaten season while challenging for three trophies. 

However after reports emerged on Thursday that he would not be joining Liverpool, Alonso confirmed at a press conference ahead of his side’s meeting with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday that his loyalties lie with the club that appointed him in October 2022.

“Last week I had a meeting (with club officials) and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” Alonso said.

“After a lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach. My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here.” 

He added: “I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way, to continue together. I have also informed the players, it’s true. My deadline was this week, it’s matter of respect. Now everything is clear.”

Alonso joined Leverkusen when the club was mired in a relegation battle, eventually turning things around and leading them to a sixth-placed finish to qualify for the Europa League. 

This season, he has guided Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga where they are 10 points clear of reigning champions Bayern with eight games left while they are also unbeaten in 38 matches in all competitions - a German record.

Agencies