Xabi Alonso is a target for Liverpool and Bayern Munich (Photo by Stefan Matzke – sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus claims Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso will reject Liverpool AND Bayern Munich this summer.
The Spaniard is both clubs’ first choice to replace their respective managers this summer.
Jurgen Klopp announced in January that he will step down at the end of the season, while Thomas Tuchel has agreed with Bayern’s board to leave in July.
Alonso’s Leverkusen are on course to win their first ever Bundesliga title, with the club eight points ahead of Bayern in the table.
The Spaniard’s side are unbeaten this term, and are through to the last-32 of the Europa League.
But while Alonso’s stock couldn’t possibly be higher, Matthaus thinks the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder feels he has further to go at Leverkusen.
Matthaus says Alonso will remain at Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
‘His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid,’ he said.
‘But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet. Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that.
‘He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.’
‘I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso,’ he added. ‘But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good.
‘[He] is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
‘The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach. He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. He has no pressure and can take things easy.’
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