Liverpool looks to plan B as Alonso announces Leverkusen stay

Xabi Alonso has dealt a significant blow to Bayern Munich and Liverpool by declaring that he will remain with Bayer Leverkusen. The former midfielder has been heavily linked with a summer move to either side in recent months. Nevertheless, the Spaniard has resisted jumping ship and is set to continue with the Bundesliga leaders.

The highly rated coach revealed his decision during a scheduled press conference on Friday. “There has been a lot of speculation around my future, we have been busy and focused, and I wanted the international break to reflect a bit better,” stated Alonso.

“I had a very good meeting with the decision makers, and I decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I feel this is the right place to develop as a coach… my job is not over here.”

Despite two of the biggest teams in the world targeting him, Alonso claimed that Leverkusen was the right club to develop as a manager. “I am a young coach, but I have to feel it and right now I feel that this is the right place and I have to thank the management. The club has been really supportive. I feel really respected by all the departments.”

Brighton coach on Liverpool’s radar ahead of weekend matchup

Alonso’s decision will now force Bayern and Liverpool to go to a contingency. Along with having a shared interest in the Spaniard, both big clubs are reportedly targeting the same coach as a plan B. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also been linked with the two teams, should Alonso remain with Leverkusen.

Bayern director of sport Max Eberl supposedly even discussed the potential position with De Zerbi in recent days. The Premier League side, on the other hand, has links to the Brighton coach through new sporting director Richard Hughes. He attempted to sign De Zerbi while previously with Bournemouth.

Oddly enough, Brighton is battling Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. With Alonso now off of the board, the upcoming game could be an opportunity for De Zerbi to prove…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/liverpool-looks-to-plan-b-as-alonso-announces-leverkusen-stay

Author : Chris Moore

Publish date : 2024-03-29 14:26:16

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