Jurgen Klopp admits he can understand why Xabi Alonso has decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season.
The Spaniard was tipped as the frontrunner to replace the departing Klopp, with Bayern Munich also interested, but Alonso today confirmed that he has no intention of leaving the Bundesliga club just yet and will fulfill his current contract.
Leverkusen are still undefeated in all competitions this season and they look on course for their first ever Bundesliga title, sitting 10 points clear of reigning champions Bayern.
Liverpool have now turned their attention to other candidates, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim now the bookmakers’ favourite to be the new man in the Anfield dugout next season.
When asked about Alonso’s decision to snub Liverpool, 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.”
