Why Xabi Alonso isn't replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager as Arne Slot appointment nears

Liverpool are nearing a replacement for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp - but Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso will not be returning to Anfield.

The Reds will enter a new era as they bid farewell to Klopp in the summer, who guided the club to Premier League and Champions League glory, among many other major honours. In January, Klopp made a shock announcement that he would be stepping down from the Liverpool job at the end of the season.

Liverpool have since reached an agreement with Feyenoord for manager Arne Slot, but the Dutch coach was not the only manager linked with the vacancy. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was also viewed as a possible option after overseeing a phenomenal season at Bayer Leverkusen.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp deserves better than what's happening and Liverpool players know it

READ MORE: Who is Arne Slot? Liverpool's next manager tactics, stats, trophies, age and formation

The 42-year-old has successfully guided Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, remaining unbeaten across all competitions as the German club also chase DFB-Pokal and Europa League glory. After months of speculation, Alonso explained in March that he would be staying at Leverkusen, ruling out a possible move to Liverpool.

"It's been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future," Alonso said. "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.

"And last week, I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] when I informed them of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

"For sure, all of the decisions you need to analyse well. I try to take the right ones, I try to take them in a natural way and at this moment I felt that this is the best place for me to be, for me to develop as a coach.”

Having started as head coach of Real Sociedad B before joining Leverkusen in October 2022, this has been Alonso’s first full season as a top-flight coach. The ex-Red may have enjoyed a historic season with Leverkusen but believes he can still reach new heights at the BayArena.

"I am a young coach but I have to feel it, right now I feel this is the right place,” Alonso added. ”I have to thank the management, the club has been really, really supportive and I feel really respected by all of the departments.

"The fans showed great support during last year in difficult moments, I felt that, and they have all the reasons to believe and to dream that we can have a great season, and we are really pushing for that.

"Great staff help me day by day to work better and improve and to prepare the team. And, for sure, the players. They gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team; their commitment, their desire, their hunger to have a great season.

"I feel my job is not over here and I want to help them, I want to help the team, I want to help the young players develop. And if I am part of the process, I am happy with that."