Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso declined to comment on reports linking him to a potential move to the English Premier League or to Bundesliga rival Bayern Munich, stating on Thursday that he has nothing new to add. The Spanish coach is under contract with Leverkusen until 2026 and his team currently leads the Bundesliga by eight points over the defending champions Bayern, who announced on Wednesday that they would part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
In a press conference, Alonso said, "You may have questions about my future, but I have nothing new to say on that matter. I wanted to say that in advance." The 42-year-old Spanish coach has been linked to a potential move to Liverpool with the current coach Jürgen Klopp set to leave at the end of the season. Alonso also had a successful playing stint with Liverpool from 2004 to 2009.
He added, "For me, this (speculation) is not a problem. I know my goal is to succeed with my team; that is my job. We are currently in a good position and want to stay there. It is natural to have questions, but it is not a problem for me." Responding to a question about whether he would coach Leverkusen next season, he said, "That is what I assume."
Leverkusen has not lost in any competition this season and is vying for its first-ever league title, which would end Bayern's 11-year dominance in the league. Tuchel’s departure from Bayern at the end of the season has sparked speculation about Alonso potentially succeeding him as the coach, having played for Bayern from 2014 to 2017.
Leverkusen will host Mainz tomorrow, Friday.
