Xabi Alonso reveals his decision to remain with Bayer Leverkusen was influenced by several factors.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has revealed his reasons for staying with the club, despite being linked with a move to Liverpool. The Spaniard, who took charge of Leverkusen in late-2022, has had a successful first full season in charge, with his side remaining unbeaten across all competitions. Alonso expressed his desire to leave a legacy in Germany and highlighted the team spirit and progress they have made as key factors in his decision to stay.

Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen comes as a blow to Liverpool, where he spent five years as a player. Many believed that a return to Anfield would be too tempting for Alonso, but he insists that it didn’t feel like the right timing and he is committed to the project at Leverkusen.

Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen has enjoyed unprecedented success. They are currently in the final of the DFB-Pokal and have reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, where they will face West Ham United. Alonso praised his team’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to deal with tough situations. He emphasized the importance of their footballing philosophy and style, which has helped them maintain control and belief in their abilities.

The transformation at Leverkusen has been remarkable, considering they haven’t won a trophy since 1993-94. They have come close on several occasions, finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga and reaching finals in domestic and European competitions. However, Alonso’s team has shed the nickname ‘Neverkusen’ and has shown great progress and competitiveness.

Looking ahead to their match against West Ham, Alonso acknowledged the quality of their opponents but expressed confidence in his team’s chances. He emphasized the importance of taking one game at a time and not putting too much pressure on themselves. Alonso believes that Leverkusen has a good chance in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Europa League, but winning the treble is still too early to consider.

Overall, Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen has been met with enthusiasm from the club and fans alike. His leadership and footballing philosophy have brought about positive changes, and the team’s success this season is a testament to their progress. The match against West Ham promises to be an exciting and challenging encounter, and Leverkusen will be hoping to continue their impressive run.