Three of the planet’s biggest clubs could all come in for his signature, but one German football legend believes Xabi Alonso may not have cold feet just yet.
Germany World Cup winning legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso will snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso, 42, is on the cusp of winning Leverkusen’s first ever Bundesliga title in just his second year of managing the club. As well as being eight points in front of Bayern, they are the only European top flight club to still be unbeaten in all competitions.
Their incredible form and breathtaking style of play has seen Alonso become one of the most in-demand managers in world football, particularly after news broke that Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel will be leaving Liverpool and Bayern at the end of the season respectively. Despite the interest, Matthaus thinks Alonso will decide to stay put at BayArena.
“His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid,” Matthaus 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.”
As well as the quality of his team’s performances, Alonso’s previous associations has seen him be naturally linked with all three of the super clubs. The former midfielder is considered a club legend at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, having won multiple titles and honours with all three.
But while he is being heralded as a perfect fit at all three clubs, Matthaus wants him to one day choose Bayern. “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. Xabi Alonso 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.”
