'You have no idea' - Liverpool told Xabi Alonso theory after Bayer Leverkusen decision

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso -Credit:Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images


Former Liverpool attacker Steve McManaman believes Xabi Alonso could be waiting for the Real Madrid job after he decided to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spaniard led the German club to their first ever Bundesliga crown on Sunday as they picked up the points needed to usurp Bayern Munich from the summit. With five games remaining, Leverkusen got their hands on the top-flight title after beating Werder Bremen 5-0 at the BayArena.

Alonso emerged as the resounding favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool manager announced back in January that he would step down from his post. However, the 42-year-old committed his future to the German club as the campaign entered the final stages, thus ending speculation about the soon-to-be-vacant position at Anfield.

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With Thomas Tuchel also stepping down from his role as head coach at Bayern Munich, Alonso was fiercely reported as a target of the German giants. But with another season in the offing for Alonso, he can still complete a famous treble at Leverkusen as they lead in the Europa League quarter-final - going into the second-leg - as well as the DFB Pokal final.

But McManaman feels that the job at the Bernabeu will 'always be on the horizon'. He told Betfred: "I don’t know for sure, but the Real Madrid job will always be on the horizon. Xabi has a house out in Madrid and has history at the club.

"If Carlo Ancelotti is going to step down next year, it’s another year for Xabi to get experience under his belt, and that move wouldn’t surprise me whatsoever. However, in a years’ time, you have no idea what will be happening at Bayern Munich and elsewhere.

"Are Paris Saint-Germain going to be looking for a new manager? Is Pep Guardiola going to be at Manchester City in two years time? You just never know.

“I think it’s the right decision for Xabi to remain with Bayer Leverkusen for another year and put the rumours to bed for the time being."