Xabi Alonso announcement: Bayer Leverkusen manager will stay at club

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has announced he will remain in his role next season despite heavy interest from his former club Liverpool as well as Bayern Munich. 

He had been linked with the Premier League club since Jurgen Klopp shocked the football world when he announced he would step down at the end of the season. 

He has also been linked with the Bayern Munich job as Thomas Tuchel is also to leave at the end of the Bundesliga season. 

“I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach,” said Alonso.

Leverkusen are on the brink of a historic first Bundesliga title and are so far unbeaten in all competitions this season. 

The Spanish coach said he told his club’s directors of his decision to stay last week. 

“It’s been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future,” he added.

“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.”