Xabi Alonso has officially announced his decision to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for the upcoming season, ruling himself out of contention for the vacant managerial position at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
With Liverpool now in search of a new manager after Klopp’s announcement last year, Alonso, once considered a strong candidate due to his successful tenure at Leverkusen and his ties to Liverpool as a former player, has chosen to remain with his current club.
Speaking at a press conference before Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg, Alonso expressed gratitude towards the club’s management, players, and fans, confirming his commitment to continue working with them. He mentioned informing the players about his decision, highlighting his dedication and respect for the club.
Alonso refrained from discussing potential opportunities with Liverpool or Bayern Munich, acknowledging his connections with both clubs but expressing satisfaction with his current role at Leverkusen.
He emphasized his focus on personal growth within the Leverkusen setup, indicating that he’s not yet considering his future beyond the club.
With Alonso out of the running, Liverpool has turned their attention to other managerial candidates, namely Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi, as reported by The Times. Amorim’s preference for a back three/five system might require tactical adjustments for Liverpool if he takes charge.
Under Amorim’s potential leadership, Liverpool’s lineup could see changes. While Alisson is expected to remain in goal, the defensive setup may include Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate alongside Ousmane Diomande, a standout defender from Sporting Lisbon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold might play as an attacking right-wing-back, with Andrew Robertson in a similar role on the opposite side. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo could form a double pivot, with competition from Curtis Jones. Dominik Szoboszlai, a notable signing, might also compete for playing time.
In the attacking department, Mohamed Salah could feature as an inside right forward, supported by Luis Diaz on the opposite flank, while Darwin Nunez is expected to lead the line, similar to Viktor Gyokeres’ role under Amorim at Sporting.
In conclusion, Alonso’s commitment to Bayer Leverkusen has redirected Liverpool’s managerial search towards alternatives like Amorim and De Zerbi, with potential tactical adjustments expected if Amorim becomes Liverpool’s new manager.
