In-Demand Alonso To Remain As Leverkusen Manager Next Season

Alonso has been strongly linked with moves to his former clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will leave the club at the end of this season, as will Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel.

Alonso is on the cusp of leading Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title as they are 10 points clear of Bayern Munich while they are also in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and quarterfinals of the Europa League.

"It's been a season where we've had a lot of speculation regarding my future, until now we've had so many games, we've been pretty busy and focused," said Alonso in Friday's press conference ahead of his side's game with Hoffenheim on Saturday.

"I wanted to use that time in the international break and take a decision and last week I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes, managing director], Fernando [Carro, CEO] and informed them of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

"For sure, all the decisions you have to analyse well. I try to take the right ones, and where they come in a natural way. This is the right way for me to develop as a coach. I am a young coach, but right now, I feel this is the right place.

"I feel really respected by all the departments, the fans show us great support this year but also during the difficult moments last year.

"I have a great staff who help me day by day to work better, improve and prepare the team - and for sure, the players give me so many reasons to keep on believing in the team.

"Their commitment, desire and hunger, for that I feel my job is not over here.

"Putting all those things together, this important decision I believe is the right one. I am still young and time will tell, but now I am happy."