Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes has stated that he is “sure” that Liverpool-linked Xabi Alonso will remain with the club in 2024-25.
Since Jurgen Klopp publicly declared his decision to leave the Reds at the end of the current season, Liverpool fans have encouraged the club’s administration to give Alonso the red carpet treatment.
The former Liverpool midfielder, a member of their 2004-05 Champions League-winning squad, has swiftly emerged as the top candidate for the Anfield job, thanks to his outstanding performances since taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022.
After leading Die Werkself to the Europa League semi-finals in his first season in charge, Alonso has overseen an outstanding Bundesliga run for Leverkusen, who currently lead the table with 55 points after 21 games.
With a dominant 3-0 victory over Thomas Tuchel’s men on Saturday, the Spaniard’s side built up a five-point lead over perennial champions Bayern Munich, but whether he will continue to manage Leverkusen in the 2024-25 season and beyond remains to be seen.
Alonso was undoubtedly pressed about the Liverpool position when Klopp announced his resignation, and while he has claimed that he is content in Germany, he has refused to rule out returning to Anfield as a manager.
According to reports, Liverpool has already made contact with the 42-year-old, but two more of his former teams, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, may potentially make a move for him if Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti go.
However, Alonso is still under contract with Leverkusen until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, and in an interview with SPORT1, Rolfes voiced optimism that he would remain on the BayArena touchline this summer.
When asked if he was hopeful of keeping Alonso, Rolfes replied, “Yes, I’m certain. One is contract constellations. Another factor is how at ease he feels with his family and himself, as well as his understanding of his role in the club.
“He also has a very good team; we will have a very good perspective next year, and the team will remain the same.” We will undoubtedly have a great team available next year. These are all reasons why, in addition to contracts, managers like Xabi and players that create attention from other clubs frequently keep us with us.”
Rolfes also praised Alonso’s tactical knowledge and ability to adjust to on-field situations, saying, “He surprises me every now and again. What we and he always say internally: Everyone has a role, and we have a strong team. Everyone has the ability to play a positive contribution.
“Xabi has the guts to not only commit to an eleven, but also to say, ‘I’ll change the system and bring other players on the pitch. We are not stuck in a system that is focused on how we play football.”
Alonso, who formerly coached in the youth systems of Real Madrid and Real Sociedad before moving to Germany, has now overseen 68 matches for Leverkusen, with 44 victories, 14 ties, and 10 defeats in all competitions.
Liverpool’s board has been looking for a replacement for Klopp since November, when it was revealed informally that the German would be stepping down after nearly nine sparkling years in charge.
Klopp’s triumphs on Merseyside include the Reds’ sixth European Cup and first Premier League title, and they remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple this season.
