Xabi Alonso will remain at Bayer Leverkusen next season (Picture: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp understands why Xabi Alonso wants to stay at Bayer Leverkusen where he is doing brilliantly, as he chose to turn down offers early in his managerial career and has never regretted it.
Alonso has been linked with both the Liverpool and Bayern Munich jobs during a superb season for Leverkusen as they remain on course to win the Bundesliga title.
However, the Spaniard has opted to reject the advances of his former clubs and will stay with Leverkusen next season.
Asked about Alonso’s decision not to come to Anfield or go to the Allianz Arena, Klopp would not comment on what it means for Liverpool, but does sympathise with the decision after staying at his first job, Mainz, from 2001-08 before moving to Borussia Dortmund.
‘The one part I can speak about is a young manager being at a club where he is doing really well,’ Klopp told a press conference on Friday. ‘I had a similar situation and did pretty much the same, if you want, and never regretted it.
‘That’s pretty much everything I can say, he is doing an incredible job there. Leverkusen has a good team, probably will keep the team together, I think that’s possible as well and it’s not every year like that.
‘I understand that he wants to do that. or the other stuff there’s nothing I have to say about it, to be honest, that’s it.’
Liverpool host Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)
He added on Alonso’s success in Germany: ‘He put an idea on the pitch and they stick to it and they are incredible.
‘On top of that they have created a mentality that is really special, we win a lot of late games, they win a lot of late games, it’s crazy.’
Explaining his decision to stay at Leverkusen at a press conference on Friday, Alonso said: ‘It’s been a season of speculation regarding my future.
‘To now we have been busy and focused on the season and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.
‘Last week I had a meeting when I informed of them [Leverkusen’s directors] to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen. For sure the decisions you need to analyse as well. I try to take the right ones in a natural way.
‘This is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach. The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments. The fans have shown great support and they have reasons to dream for a great season.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.