Xabi Alonso explains decision to snub Liverpool and turn down chance to replace Jurgen Klopp

Xabi Alonso has confirmed his intention to remain at Bayer Leverkusen and snub interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

With Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel having confirmed their intentions to leave their managerial roles at the end of the current campaign, two of Europe’s biggest clubs have already embarked on their searches for new managers.

Alonso, who played for both Liverpool and Bayern over the course of his distinguished career, has enhanced his burgeoning reputation over the course of the current season by leading Bayer Leverkusen to the brink of a rare Bundesliga title and the latter stages of the Europa League.

Having presided over a record breaking 33-game unbeaten run, the Spaniard had been earmarked as the No.1 choice to take over at Anfield and the Allianz Arena but he has decided against jumping ship and will instead remain with Leverkusen.

Explaining his decision at a press conference on Friday, Alonso said: ‘It’s been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future. Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

‘Last week I had a very good meeting when I informed of them [Leverkusen’s directors] of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

‘For sure all the decisions you need to analyse well. I try to take the right ones, I try to take them in a natural way.’

He added: ‘At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach. Right now this is the right place.

‘I have to thank the management. The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments. The fans they have shown great support and they have reasons to believe and dream we will have a great season. I have a great staff to help me work day by day, and so for sure the players.

‘Last week was my deadline for sure. All my cards on the table. I have thought about the decision because you need to reflect well.

‘Once I took it I felt I needed to share it with everyone. It is a sign of respect. I informed the players at a team talk this morning. We have prepared in a normal way.

‘You guys did a lot of speculation – even since last May! It’s part of the business, and I haven’t been stressed by it.

‘It was important it wasn’t affecting the team and the mentality of the team was good. Everything is clear.’