Joe Cole criticizes Bayer Leverkusen manager for making a poor decision in not selecting Liverpool player Xabi Alonso.

Joe Cole, the former English footballer, has expressed his disapproval of Xabi Alonso’s decision to reject Liverpool and commit to Bayer Leverkusen beyond the 2023/24 season. The Spanish manager had been linked with a move to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving the club. However, Alonso has chosen to stay with Leverkusen, potentially leading them in the UEFA Champions League and defending their Bundesliga title next season.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Cole criticized Alonso’s decision, suggesting that he should have made the move this summer. He highlighted the volatile nature of managerial positions and emphasized that Alonso is currently one of the most sought-after managers in world football. Cole also expressed concerns about Leverkusen’s ability to keep their talented squad together, as top clubs across Europe will undoubtedly be interested in their players.

Leverkusen currently hold a 10-point lead over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, with only eight games remaining. They have already defeated Bayern this season with a convincing 3-0 victory, indicating their potential to break Bayern’s dominance in the league. Leverkusen has never won the Bundesliga but has been runners-up on five occasions, most recently in the 2010/11 season.

In addition to their league success, Leverkusen is also progressing in other competitions. They are in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, where they will face second-division side Fortuna Dusseldorf. Furthermore, they have reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will face West Ham United after a challenging tie against Qarabag.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, speaking ahead of West Ham’s crucial match against Newcastle, shared a different perspective on Alonso’s decision. Hargreaves expressed his admiration for Alonso’s choice to stay at Leverkusen, suggesting that if they win the Bundesliga and another European trophy, it could be a remarkable achievement. He acknowledged that it may come as a surprise, as most managers tend to make a move when their stock is high, but Alonso, being relatively young as a manager, wants to remain in a comfortable environment.

Overall, the decision by Xabi Alonso to reject Liverpool and commit to Bayer Leverkusen has divided opinions. While Joe Cole believes it is a terrible decision, Owen Hargreaves sees the potential for something special at Leverkusen if they continue their success. Only time will tell if Alonso’s choice proves to be the right one.