Xabi Alonso makes new admission over Liverpool job after historic Bayer Leverkusen season
Xabi Alonso has discussed why he turned down the chance to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool.
In an interview with CNN, posted on X [4 June, 4m 21s], Alonso shared that it was “what [he] has” which prevented him from pursuing the role at Anfield, instead accepted by Arne Slot ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Alonso’s stock has soared since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen, recording a first-ever German unbeaten league title victory in an achievement forever down in history, and the 210-game Liverpool legend was heavily linked with an emotional return before deciding to stay at the BayArena.
“It was more about what I had than what I’m missing,” the 42-year-old said.
“These decisions, they need to be thorough. My bond with Liverpool is still there, so there isn’t any kind of issue with that.”
Asked to confirm if he spoke to Liverpool, Alonso wryly responded: “That stays behind the curtains.”
Liverpool reunion with Xabi Alonso could still happen
Liverpool’s status as a global giant of the game and a consistent challenger for domestic and European honours will never diminish, and Alonso’s flying early management career will continue to blossom into expectedly one of the best in the world, so there’s no rush for an iconic reunion to occur.
It’s understandable on both major fronts – capability and sentiment – why many Reds fans will have wanted Alonso to replace Klopp.
But the new project under Slot – three years senior to the Spaniard – must be afforded time to flourish in the same way as that of their departing hero’s chapter at Anfield.
It was revealed Liverpool’s shortlist did not just include Alonso and Slot, with Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde and Luciano Spalletti of the Italian national team also strongly considered.
What we have now is an almost scary proposition of what Alonso could achieve with Leverkusen in the coming years based on what has already been done, and a later arrival at Liverpool could benefit all parties with a little patience.
Whilst refreshing from a neutral perspective to see Alonso realise grass may not yet be greener, the Kop will wait and welcome back their once midfield genius at the right time.
In other Liverpool news, the club could rival Manchester United for a Sporting defender with a £51m release clause.
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