Leverkusen ‘optimistic’ of fighting off Liverpool’s Alonso interest

Robin Bairner

• 27 Jan 2024 10:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen are “optimistic” that they can fight off Liverpool’s interest in head coach Xabi Alonso.

The Anfield club are searching for a new manager following the announcement by Jurgen Klopp that he will stand down from the club at the end of the season – a decision that FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in August that the former Dortmund boss was seriously considering.

Alonso, who played with distinction with Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, has rapidly been installed as the favourite to take over from Klopp given the success he is enjoying at B04.

Leverkusen lead the Bundesliga table by four points over a Bayern Munich side chasing a 12th successive title. Indeed, should they close out the title, it would be the first time since Klopp’s Dortmund side won the crown in 2011/12 that FCB had been deposed.

Naturally, this has led to fevered speculation over what job Alonso might take, with Real Madrid having been closely linked with him when it appeared that Carlo Ancelotti might depart.

With the Italian having signed a new deal at the Bernabeu, though, the door is open for Liverpool to get their man.

Sky Sports Deutschland state, however, that Leverkusen are confident of retaining the Spaniard’s services beyond the end of the season.

Florian Plettenberg took to X to report: “Bayer 04 Leverkusen is aware that Xabi Alonso is on FC Liverpool's list. However, at this stage they remain optimistic and assume Alonso won't leave the club in the summer.

“One reason: Alonso is already fully integrated into the squad planning and is building the squad for the 24/25 season…

“His contract is valid until 2026.”

Alonso aiming to make history

Alonso is seeking to lead Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, with the club having been dubbed ‘Neverkusen’ in the past because of their ability to squander seemingly perfect positions.

B04 have just one DFB Pokal and one UEFA Cup title to their name in the long history of the club.