Rumors Return To Anfield, Xabi Alonso: I'm Just Thinking About Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso still wants to focus on Bayer Leverkusen (Instagram/@xabialonso).

JAKARTA - Jurgen Klopp's decision to win Liverpool at the end of this season has spread rumors. Xabi Alonso emerged as the main candidate to return to Anfield as the German manager's successor.

Alonso was indeed shining during his menukangi Bayer Leverkusen. In the 2023/2024 Bundesliga, Leverkusen was at the top of the standings with 49 points from 19 matches.

They are two points apart from Bayern Munich who are in the second position.

Alonso's capacity as manager is clearly the reason he deserves to take charge of Liverpool after Klopp's departure.

However, it turns out that Alonso has denied the possibility of returning to Anfield early next season. He insists he still wants to focus on Leverkusen.

"I was surprised by the news of Jurgen (Klopp). I have great respect for Jurgen and Liverpool."

"Right now I'm very happy here (Leverkusen) and enjoying my job. Every day and the game is a challenge. We are on an intense and beautiful journey here, in Leverkusen."

"Speculation is a natural thing. However, I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years and how he has done it."

"He has a connection with fans, he did his job well, but my focus is here, at Bayer Leverkusen."

"I have great motivation to do a good job here. I'm very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that's my focus."

"However, what I will say about what happened at Liverpool is that it came as a surprise to Jurgen's departure," Alonso said as quoted by The Sun.

Xabi Alonso did not want to make assumptions. The rumors circulating were responded to by jokers.

So far there has been no sign of Liverpool looking for a replacement for Klopp. In addition, the Reds also have not appeared to approach Xabi Alonsi if the rumors are true.

"To be honest, I don't have a direct answer (about being Liverpool's manager)," said Alonso with a laugh.

"I'm happy here right now, that's for sure, and just thinking about Leverkusen."

Although he has not shown interest, Xabi Alonso once dreamed of leading Liverpool one day. He made this statement in 2018.

"Yes, of course, I definitely dreamed of it (coaching Liverpool)."

"First of all, I have to prove myself and prepare myself. You know, if I decide to take my chances as a manager, you know my relationship, my commitment, my passion for Liverpool is there."

"We will see if we can find a path that fits our way," Alonso said five years ago on TalkSport.

Xabi Alonso is currently coaching Bundesliga leader Bayer Leverkusen, who is unbeaten in all competitions this season. They are on track chasing the league title for the first time.

Last season, when he first came to Leverkusin, the former Liverpool midfielder brought the Bundesliga sixth-placed finishing team and into the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Alonso spent five years at Anfield as a player (2004-2009). During that time, he made 210 appearances and scored 18 goals. He also helped the team win the Champions League and FA Cup.