'Informed them of my decision' - Xabi Alonso makes decisive statement on Bayer Leverkusen future

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season after addressing his future during a press conference. 

Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich were eager to sign the Spanish coach at the end of the season, but widespread reports on Thursday evening suggested he would stay at the BayArena.

Alonso has worked wonders at Leverkusen this season, guiding Die Werkself to the top of the Bundesliga table, going unbeaten in all competitions and reaching the latter stages of the DFB Pokal and Europa League.

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There were hopes that he may choose to return to Anfield after spending several years there as a player, but those dreams have now been dashed.

XABI ALONSO CONFIRMS DECISION

Alonso confirmed that he would stay at Leverkusen next season during a press conference on Friday, stating: "We’ve had a lot of speculation regarding my future. We’ve had a lot of games, been pretty busy, pretty focused, and I wanted to use the international break and reflect and take a decision.

"Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] and informed them of my decision to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

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"It’s the right place for me to be, to develop as a coach. The fans showed great support this year. They have all the reasons to believe and dream we can have a great season. The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team. My job is not over here."

Alonso reportedly has a release clause in his contract that can be activated in the summer of 2025, with people suggesting that he is waiting for the Real Madrid job when Carlo Ancelotti departs Spain.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to other managerial targets, chiefly Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim. However, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann are also being considered by the club.