Xabi Alonso provides update on Liverpool and Bayern links

Xabi Alonso is the hottest name in football management right now. The 42-year-old has led Bayer Leverkusen to the brink of a first-ever Bundesliga title and his side are currently eight points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the German top flight.

Having been appointed in October 2022, the World Cup-winning former midfielder has transformed Leverkusen’s fortunes. They were mired in the relegation dogfight when he replaced Gerardo Seoane but Alonso has marched them up the standings.

Furthermore, Leverkusen are also through to the last-16 of the Europa League and DFB Pokal semifinalists as well this season.

It could be a landmark campaign for Alonso and Leverkusen with treble glory seemingly just around the corner. But developments at two former clubs could cut his tenure short.

Bayern and Liverpool interested in Alonso

Alonso was a star in Liverpool’s midfield from 2004 to 2009, winning a Champions League and an FA Cup among other honours. His time on Merseyside is recalled fondly by supporters and he is among the early frontrunners to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Klopp will stand aside at the end of the season, citing fatigue as the main reason he cannot continue. The 56-year-old last week anointed Alonso as the “standout” coach of his generation and he is believed to be the favoured candidate of the FSG hierarchy right now.

During his days in charge of Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola signed Alonso to provide extra bite in his midfield. He went on to win three Bundesliga titles across 117 appearances for the Bavarians before retiring in 2017.

Thomas Tuchel is the man in the dugout currently at the Allianz Arena but like Klopp he will leave his post at the end of the season. Bayern are looking for a “sporting realignment” amidst a poor campaign and Alonso has been placed at the top of their list of contenders.

While other names have been mentioned in connection with Bayern, like Zinedine Zidane, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, it is Alonso who Bayern bosses are hoping to coax.

Reports in Germany emerged this week suggesting that the ex-Real Madrid man could depart for Bayern while his name has long been on Liverpool’s list.

The new links were put to him during a pre-match press conference on Thursday, where the Leverkusen trainer was previewing the game against Mainz on Friday night.

Alonso stated he had nothing to add to the rumours linking him with a move away but also disclosed that he expected to be in charge of Leverkusen next season.

Xabi Alonso on Liverpool and Bayern links

"Right now I’m the Bayer Leverkusen coach, that's for sure,” he said.

“I have nothing new to say for the future. We will see. It's normal that there are questions, but it's off topic now. Now is not the time for me to talk much about it."

When pressed whether he would be at the BayArena next season, he said: "I'm assuming that right now."

The two-time Champions League-winning player has a contract through to 2026, which Leverkusen are optimistic he will see out. Nonetheless links to other elite European clubs refuse to go away.