Bayer Leverkusen are confident head coach Xabi Alonso will stay at the club next season despite the Spaniard being heavily linked with a summer switch to Liverpool.
The Anfield hot-seat will become available in June when Jurgen Klopp walks away and former Liverpool midfielder Alonso is the bookmakers’ favourite to take over.
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Alonso enhanced his reputation further at the weekend with Leverkusen hammering Bayern Munich 3-0 to move five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
The club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes appeared on German TV programme ‘Doppelpass’ on Sunday evening, and asked if he thought Alonso would remain at the BayArena, he said: “Yes, I am sure of that.”
Rolfes believes Leverkusen’s upward trajectory will convince Alonso to honour his contract that runs until 2026 – although reports have suggested there is a break clause if any of his former clubs Liverpool, Bayern or Real Madrid make an approach.
“One is the contract, the other is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself,” added Rolfes. “That he knows what he has at the club. That he knows that he has a very good team and that we will also have very good prospects next year.”
Have a great week #WERKSELF Fans! 🫶⚫️🔴#BAYER04 | @XABIALONSO PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZFZSTJ9VF4
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Rolfes also highlighted the structure he himself has implemented.
He said: “We have set up the team in such a way that there is no upheaval even if many players leave us, and that we have an absolutely top team available.
“These are all reasons why, in addition to coaches like Xabi, that players who arouse interest from other clubs, often stay with us.”
Saturday’s win saw Leverkusen extend their unbeaten run to 31 games in all competitions this season.
Next up is a trip to Heidenheim on Saturday.
