XABI A NO-GO Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move

Germany legend Lothar Matthaus makes surprise claim about in-demand coach

Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk

XABI ALONSO is going to snub Liverpool, Bayern Munich AND Real Madrid - according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.

Former Bayern star Matthaus would love Alonso to be the next boss of his old team, but reckons the Spaniard will spurn interest from a number of big clubs to stay for at least one more year at Bayer Leverkusen.

XABI A NO-GO Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in Bayern Munich, Liverpool or Real Madrid’ as World Cup winner predicts next move
Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso is going nowhere this summer Credit: Getty

Matthaus said: “His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet.

"Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that.

“He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with.

“He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That's why I don't think he's going to sign for another club next season.”

Former Kop idol Alonso is believed to be Liverpool’s top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Anfield at the end of the season.

But another of the Spaniard’s former clubs, Bayern, are also in the market for a new head coach after confirming that Thomas Tuchel would be on his way this summer.

And Real Madrid, another club that Alonso graced as one of the most stylish midfielders of his generation, have also been linked with him.

Matthaus, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern and the 1990 World Cup with West Germany, knows exactly where he would like Alonso to pitch up next.

Matthaus, 62, now a Sky Germany pundit, said: “As for the search for Tuchel's successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern's list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen.

“I can't think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso.

"But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid.

“He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.

“The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach.

“He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don't matter to him.

“He has no pressure and can take things easy.”