Xabi Alonso says it ‘didn’t feel like the right timing’ to leave Bayer Leverkusen and become the new Liverpool manager.
The former Reds midfielder has been heavily linked to be the man to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who leaves Anfield in the summer.
Alonso has thoroughly impressed at Leverkusen, who are set to win the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten in all competitions.
Given his links to Liverpool and success in Germany, it came as no surprise that he emerged as a potential successor to Klopp.
However, he recently announced he is staying at Leverkusen and has now provided more detail on his decision to remain at the club.
Alonso, who only joined in October 2022, said to TNT Sports: “There were many reasons [for deciding to start at the club]. After one year, we’re building a team, we’re building a great spirit here.
“There were many reasons and so many players. The season has been great so far, and for sure we want to keep having this thing together.
“I felt part of it. After one year, it didn’t feel like the right timing, and that’s why I’m committed.”
Although Liverpool have missed out on his appointment, Alonso also hinted that he could work in the Premier League in the future.
“You never know,” he said via The Guardian ahead of Leverkusen’s Europa League quarter-final clash against West Ham on Thursday, live on talkSPORT 2.
“At the moment I have enough on my plate to think about, but I’m still young as a coach and for sure it’s a nice one.”
With Alonso now no longer an option for the vacancy, Liverpool have turned their attention towards Ruben Amorim.
talkSPORT understands the Reds have held talks with the Sporting Lisbon manager’s representatives over a potential appointment.
Amorim has the Portuguese giants sitting top of the Portuguese top flight and four points ahead of rivals Benfica with a game in hand.
He also won the title with Sporting in 2021 and has since emerged as one of the hottest managerial prospects alongside Alonso.
A final decision is yet to have been made, but Liverpool are already making steps to prepare for the post-Klopp era.
