Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp will leave at the end of this season and the Reds’ efforts are ongoing to appoint his successor.
The Merseyside club had initially showed keen interest in Xabi Alonso, but he has decided to continue at Bayer Leverkusen.
Saturday’s edition of AS points out that Liverpool and Bayern Munich were determined to ‘swoop in’ for the 42-year-old ‘at any cost’.
Alonso knew that ‘closing the door’ on Liverpool and Bayern Munich was necessary for his club to be able to focus on winning the title, which they secured last weekend.
The Spaniard had spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich during his playing career. Earlier this week, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro told Cadena Ser’s El Larguero that it’s possible for Alonso to manage his former clubs.
“Everyone is responsible for their own decisions. I hope my decision to stay is the right one, I’m convinced it will be the right one. I’m enjoying the moment and, of course, I want to keep improving,” he said.
Alonso’s decision to continue at Bayer Leverkusen hasn’t pleased some in England, and that includes former Arsenal man, Paul Merson. AS mention this to the title winning manager and also received a response from him.
“Paul Merson will have made decisions that I don’t value, mine is this,” Alonso explained.
On Bayer Leverkusen’s season, he added: “I am very happy with the follow up we are getting from Spain. The season has been fantastic, not only because of the results but because of the way of playing. That attracts in Spain and also in many parts of Europe.
“It makes the club grow and have a more global following. It’s important for everyone. Being part of this and having participated in the process makes me happy. But we don’t want to stop.”
