Liverpool Next Manager: Xabi Alonso on why he turned down Reds move

Xabi Alonso has explained why he is not interested in becoming Liverpool manager this summer, but left the door open for a future move.

The 42-year-old Bayer Leverkusen head coach fast became the early favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after his shock announcement that he will leave at the end of the season.

A world-class former midfielder and Champions League winner with Liverpool as a player, Alonso has developed into one of Europe's brightest young managers, leading Leverkusen to the brink of a first-ever Bundesliga title during an unprecedented unbeaten season.

As things stand, Alonso's side are 16 points clear of nearest rivals Bayern Munich and can clinch the league imminently. They could even finish the season as treble winners, with the DFB Pokal and Europa League still up for grabs.

As well as Liverpool, Bayern made Alonso their number one managerial target ahead of the summer, while Real Madrid were also rumoured to be interested.

Despite the serious interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, Alonso has confirmed his intention to stay put at Leverkusen and continue to lead the side into the 2024/25 season.

Alonso doesn't rule out future switch

However, while his whereabouts for next season are clear, his longer-term future of Europe's most coveted coach remains to be seen.

Asked whether he could one day manage in the Premier League in a press conference, Alonso left the door open to a return to England.

"You never know," Alonso teased. "At the moment I have enough on my plate to think about, but I'm still young as a coach and for sure it's a nice [league]."

On his decision to stay at Leverkusen rather than seek a switch to Liverpool or one of his other suitors, Alonso added: "There were many reasons [for deciding to stay]," he said. "After one year, we're building a team, we're building a great spirit here.

"There were many reasons and so many players. The season has been great so far, and for sure we want to keep having this thing together.

"I felt part of it. After one year, it didn't feel like the right timing, and that's why I'm committed."

From Alonso to Amorim?

With Alonso now out of the picture, at least in the short-term, Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim has been installed as the new favourite to replace Klopp this summer.

The 39-year-old former midfielder is also on track for a league title win this season, while there have been reports of talks between Liverpool and his representatives over contract terms.

Amorim, though, has dismissed talk that he has already agreed a move to Anfield.

He told reporters: "There’s been no interview, let alone an agreement. The only thing we all want is to be champions with Sporting, and nothing will change."