Xabi Alonso: Manager SLATED for 'bottling' available Liverpool job

Xabi Alonso has been ripped into for not taking the Liverpool job by former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys.

The former Reds midfielder has guided Bayer Leverkusen to within touching distance of a first ever Bundesliga title, with his side 13 points clear at the top of the table after an unbeaten season.

Touted as the next megastar of European management, the Spaniard has accrued interest from many of the continent's big hitters - with Liverpool and Bayern Munich said to be those most interested in acquiring his services this summer.

However, those plans have been scuppered by Alonso’s decision to stay and build on what looks to be the start of something special at the BayArena.

This decision left Keys, now working on Middle East channel beIN Sports, shocked and appalled - with the TV host left questioning Alonso's manhood.

"Early parts of the week, I had conversations with a number of people who were convinced that Alonso was going to Liverpool," said Keys on beIN Sports, via the Mirror.

"There was another group who got in touch to say he was staying, you might be wrong there. Don't care - they'll draw him out and that's what I think we were hoping to do at some point.

"He announced yesterday, Alonso, that he's staying. And in my opinion, that is a huge mistake. At no other time in history will jobs at Liverpool, Munich, Manchester United, maybe Real Madrid, will be available again.

"Right now, he can have his pick. At no other point in his career going forward will he be in this luxurious position again. He might get Madrid at a different time and now's a great time to get Real Madrid.

"I would question the size of his cojones. They're 'Leicesterkusen' because Bayer Leverkusen will never again have a season like this. Bayern Munich next season will make sure they have another decade of domination in German football and Leverkusen may pick up a cup here and there.

"So right now his stock is as high as it will ever be and his opportunities are as broad and as great as they'll ever be and I think he has bottled it."