JURGEN KLOPP RESPONDS TO XABI ALONSO'S DECISION TO SNUB LIVERPOOL MANAGER'S JOB

Jurgen Klopp has responded after Xabi Alonso officially ruled himself out of the race to replace the German at Liverpool.

Alonso had been heavily linked with a potential return to Anfield after Klopp announced he would be stepping down as manager at the end of the season, but the Spaniard has now decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

When asked about Alonso's decision, Klopp said: "I can talk about being a young manager being at a club and being successful. I did pretty much the same and never regretted it.

"Xabi is doing a great job there and it's possible they can keep the team together. It's not always like that. I understand he wants to do that.

"Leverkusen are really impressive, it's not like he has built from other years. He has created a mentality that is on the pitch and is really special. You can't say for former players it might be too late or too early - I don't know."

Leverkusen currently sit ten points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga and are on course to win their first ever league title. And despite interest from both Liverpool and Bayern, clubs Alonso previously played for, he has now confirmed he will stay at Leverkusen.

"It's been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future," he said. "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.

"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."

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2024-03-29T13:42:10Z dg43tfdfdgfd