Xabi Alonso confirmed this week that he will remain in charge of Bayer Leverkusen next season, despite interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool
Xabi Alonso is wanted man due to his exploits with Bayer Leverkusen
Richard Keys has accused Xabi Alonso of ‘bottling’ the Liverpool job, declaring: “I would question the size of his cojones.”
The former Reds and Bayern Munich midfielder has guided Bayer Leverkusen to a 13-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga in a so-far unbeaten season in all competitions as they also target Europa League and German Cup glory. It had been hoped at Anfield that the 42-year-old, who played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 and won the Champions League during his first campaign, could be persuaded to take over from Jurgen Klopp when he steps down in the summer.
However, those plans have been scuppered by Alonso’s decision to stay and build on what looks to be a first-ever title for the BayArena side. The decision left former Sky Sports host Keys, now of Middle East channel beIN Sports, surprised and disappointed.
“Early parts of the week, I had conversations with a number of people who were convinced that Alonso was going to Liverpool,” said Keys on beIN Sports, via the Mirror.
“There was another group who got in touch to say he was staying, you might be wrong there. Don’t care – they’ll draw him out and that’s what I think we were hoping to do at some point.
Do you agree with Keys about Alonso? Tell us in the comments section below
