Liverpool Initiates Contact with Bayer Leverkusen Manager Xabi Alonso, Reports Claim, but Potential Move Uncertain
Reports suggest that Liverpool Football Club has initiated preliminary discussions regarding the possible appointment of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. However, uncertainties loom over Alonso’s suitability as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Following Klopp’s announcement of his departure from Anfield at the end of the season, Alonso’s name swiftly emerged as a contender for the managerial position. The former midfielder enjoyed a successful tenure with Liverpool during his playing career, notably clinching the Champions League title in 2005. Moreover, he has orchestrated Leverkusen’s commendable performance in the Bundesliga this season.
Leverkusen has maintained an undefeated streak throughout the season, establishing a lead over their rivals Bayern Munich while comfortably securing the top position in their Europa League group and advancing to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal. Consequently, Bayern, another former club of Alonso’s, is reportedly interested in the 42-year-old as they prepare for the departure of their current manager, Jurgen Klopp.
However, Alonso’s decision to remain at Leverkusen presents a viable third option. With Leverkusen virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season, Alonso’s commitment to fulfilling his objectives in Germany could deter Liverpool and Bayern from pursuing him further.
According to sources cited by Bild (via The Express), Liverpool has already initiated contact with Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the manager will opt to remain at Leverkusen rather than making a move to the Premier League.
Alonso is currently under contract with Leverkusen for another two years, having assumed the managerial position in October 2022. In his inaugural season in Germany, he successfully steered his team clear of relegation peril and secured European qualification after comfortably navigating a group featuring Qarabag, Molde, and Hacken.
Liverpool is reportedly exploring alternative options, including Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann. Amorim has garnered acclaim for his achievements with Sporting CP in Portugal, while Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich manager, presently leads the German national team.
Alonso addressed speculation regarding his future ahead of Leverkusen’s recent Bundesliga fixture against Mainz. His team maintained their unbeaten record with a 2-1 victory, with Robert Andrich sealing the win with a second-half goal.
“Right now I am Bayer Leverkusen coach and that’s certain,” he said at the time. “Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say.”
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, meanwhile, has said he is “sure” Alonso will stay where he is. “One is contract constellations. The other thing is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club,” Rolfes told Sport1.
“He also has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there is no change in the team,” Rolfes added. Leverkusen sit eight points clear with 11 games remaining, after Bayern responded with a win of their own against RB Leipzig on Saturday.