{"id":87507,"date":"2025-05-09T13:54:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/87507\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T13:54:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T13:54:14","slug":"xabi-alonsos-true-liverpool-feelings-perfectly-clear-after-shock-bayer-leverkusen-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/87507\/","title":{"rendered":"Xabi Alonso&#8217;s true Liverpool feelings perfectly clear after shock Bayer Leverkusen decision"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso will leave his position as Bayer Leverkusen manager at the end of the season<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_GettyImages-2183258852.jpg\" alt=\"Xabi Alonso was linked with the Liverpool role before Arne Slot's appointment.\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Xabi Alonso was linked with the Liverpool role before Arne Slot&#8217;s appointment.(Image: Photo by J\u00f6rg Sch\u00fcler\/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Xabi Alonso previously claimed he hadn&#8217;t considered the vacant managerial position at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp&#8217;s exit. The former Spain midfielder was heavily linked with a move to <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/anfield\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Anfield<\/a> in light of the shock announcement from the German last year but quickly distanced himself from becoming the successor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">However, on Friday (May 9) it was confirmed <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/xabi-alonso-makes-major-managerial-31607442\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">that the 43-year-old will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.<\/a> He will bring the chapter down on his time in the Bundesliga after two-and-a-half years which saw them go from relegation-threatend to unbeaten champions during a double-winning season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">His impending exit coincides with the ongoing speculation with the Real Madrid position as Carlo Ancelotti faces an uncertain future in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/transfer-news\/liverpool-transfer-news-live-hugo-31577860\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liverpool transfer news LIVE &#8211; Rodrygo contact, Vanderson interest, Darwin Nunez claim rubbished<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/liverpool-situation-change-after-heard-31606454\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liverpool situation can change after I heard what Arne Slot had to say about Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Alonso got a taste of being a manager at Anfield when his Leverkusen side travelled to Merseyside for their <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/uefa-champions-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Champions League<\/a> League Phase encounter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">He suffered a rare defeat as Leverkusen manager as Arne Slot&#8217;s side ran out 4-0 winners after Luis Diaz netted a hat-trick, while Cody Gakpo was also on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Alonso discussed the managerial links prior to the showdown at Anfield and insisted that his focus was on achieving success at Leverkusen &#8211; as they were in pursuit of a famous treble.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the Leverkusen players and we were really focused on that,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;I&#8217;ve seen a lot of different things Klopp implemented here but I have followed Slot too, I know his approach but it is combined with the intensity here at Liverpool, they have a nice mixture and that is why they are top of <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/barclays-premier-league\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Premier LeagueLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> and Champions League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;In all areas they are really strong, so the process works really well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;The manager has done a fantastic job in three months. Gakpo, Diaz, Tsimikas, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; they have so many options.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;We have our plan and we will see what happens tomorrow for 90 minutes, we want to be competitive. We&#8217;ll see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Celebrate Liverpool&#8217;s Premier League title win with the perfect souvenir<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Relive Liverpool\u2019s incredible 2024\/25 title-winning season \u2013 the Reds\u2019 20th league crown and the first lifted in front of fans since 1990. From Arne Slot\u2019s arrival to unforgettable wins over City, United, and more, follow every step of the journey. Featuring match reports, player spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories and iconic moments from a campaign to remember.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk\/liverpool-fc-premier-league-champions-4497-p.asp?utm_source=LFC+-+Premier+League+Winners+25+-+All&amp;utm_medium=LFC-PremierLeagueWinners-Factbox&amp;utm_campaign=LFC+-+Premier+League+Winners+25&amp;utm_id=LFC+-+Premier+League+Winners+25\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Celebrate Liverpool&#039;s Premier League title win with the perfect souvenir by ordering a copy online today, just click here!Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Celebrate Liverpool&#8217;s Premier League title win with the perfect souvenir by ordering a copy online today, just click here!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">A must-have 48-page keepsake for every Red.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1746016094_84_0_GettyImages-2212262399.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team&#8217;s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 (Image: Liverpool FC\/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">And you can also order a copy of Monday&#8217;s Liverpool ECHO celebrating Liverpool&#8217;s triumph direct to your home on <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk\/liverpool-echo-monday-28th-april-2025-4540-p.asp\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">our online store.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_ECHO-front-page.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Liverpool ECHO front page. Liverpool champions. April 28, 2025<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Also available is the Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS: Premier League winners 24\/25, with a double sided poster.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">Pre-order here: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/reachsportshop.com\/special_edition\/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/reachsportshop.com\/special_edition\/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25\/Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/reachsportshop.com\/special_edition\/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1746711853_740_0_PL-winners-magazine.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS magazine<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">After Klopp&#8217;s announcement in January, Alonso was keen to put any external noise aside and reiterate his position at Leverkusen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">He said: &#8220;I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy. We have had a lot of speculation regarding my future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \">&#8220;The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team &#8211; for their commitment, for their desire, for their hunger to have a great season. My job is not over here.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso will leave his position as Bayer Leverkusen manager at the end of the seasonXabi&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":87508,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8815],"tags":[748,393,4884,179,763,16,15,19715],"class_list":{"0":"post-87507","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-liverpool","8":"tag-britain","9":"tag-england","10":"tag-great-britain","11":"tag-liverpool","12":"tag-liverpool-fc","13":"tag-uk","14":"tag-united-kingdom","15":"tag-xabi-alonso"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114478216969755956","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87507","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87507"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87507\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87507"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87507"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87507"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}