Xabi Alonso says he will remain in his role as Bayer Leverkusen manager next season despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with the manager’s job at Anfield since Jurgen Klopp said he will stand down at the end of the season.
“I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach,” said Alonso.
Leverkusen are on the brink of a first Bundesliga title and unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Alonso, the 42-year-old ex-Liverpool midfielder, was also seen as a candidate to take over at former club Bayern Munich, whose manager Thomas Tuchel will also leave at the end of the campaign.
Alonso said he informed Leverkusen’s directors of his decision to stay at the club last week.
“It’s been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future,” he added.
“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.”
