Xabi Alonso says he’s staying at Bayer Leverkusen, dismisses speculation
Leverkusen's head coach Xabier Alonso speaks during a press conference in Leverkusen, Germany, May 17, 2023. German team Bayer 04 Leverkusen will face Italian team AS Roma for a second leg Europa League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Federico Gambarini]
LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Coach Xabi Alonso is concentrating on Bayer Leverkusen and has dismissed speculation linking him with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The 41-year-old Alonso has enjoyed a successful start to his first senior coaching job after turning Leverkusen’s fortunes around and he says he’s staying at the club next season. Alonso says “I’m very happy with the team and the club. I’m not thinking at all about my future. I’m fully focused on what I want, and I’ve spoken with everyone who needs to know.” Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen runs to 2024. He had been linked with taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at his former club Real Madrid or at Tottenham.
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Leverkusen's head coach Xabier Alonso attends a press conference in Leverkusen, Germany, May 17, 2023. German team Bayer 04 Leverkusen will face Italian team AS Roma for a second leg Europa League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Federico Gambarini
Leverkusen's head coach Xabier Alonso stands on the pitch during the final training in Leverkusen, Germany, May 17, 2023. German team Bayer 04 Leverkusen will face Italian team AS Roma for a second leg Europa League semifinal soccer match on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Federico Gambarini