FRANKFURT: Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed his decision to stay with the Bundesliga leaders for at least another season.

The former Spain midfielder, has been linked this season with both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who need replacements for Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel respectively.

Alonso said: “It’s been a season with a lot of speculation regarding my future. We’ve had many games, we’ve been busy and focused. I used the international break to reflect better and take a decision.

“Last week I had a meeting with club officials and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen. I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach.”

Liverpool are expected to turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.

Amorim has guided Sporting to the Portuguese title in 2021 and current leadership. De Zerbi – who has enjoyed success against Liverpool with Brighton – will have another chance to impress the Anfield hierarchy when he brings his side to Merseyside on Sunday.

Alonso and Leverkusen could come up against Liverpool and Klopp in the Europa League final in May.

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