Xavi Alonso (Xabi Alonso) led Bayer Leverkusen to play brilliantly this season, and it was rumored that Bayern Munich and Liverpool were interested in recruiting him as the new coach, but the Spanish legend announced on Friday (29th) that he would continue to stay in the "pharmaceutical factory" to shatter the speculation. Bayern Munich and the current Reds boss both left at the end of the season, meaning they urgently needed to find a replacement, and Liverpool's two favourites were Ruben Amorim and Roberto de Zerbi as soon as the announcement came out.
Following the statement by Bayern Munich's honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, that Xavi Alonso had no intention of leaving Bayer Leverkusen, he himself announced on Friday: "I had a great meeting with the team last week when I expressed to the director my decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen. ”
Xavi Alonso says all decisions need to be deliberate: "I'm young and this is the right place for me to develop as a head coach". He also thanked the management for their support and the respect of all departments, "The fans are very supportive and they have reason to believe that we will have a great season. Every day there is a wonderful group of staff and players who help me."
He revealed that last week was the "deadline" for his decision to stay, and informed the players on Friday morning. Xavi Alonso also joked that there was too much speculation about his whereabouts, even since May last year: "It's part of the job, I don't feel pressured by it. The important thing is that it didn't affect the team, they have a good mentality and now everything is clear. ”
After Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp announced his departure at the end of the season, Xavi Alonso was the favourite to succeed. However, after Xavi Alonso confirmed to stay in the team, the speculation of Liverpool's successor naturally fell on others. According to the betting website, the hottest at the moment is Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim at 1.8 times, and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is in second place with three times.
The 39-year-old Ruben Amorim is a Portuguese native who has been coaching in his home country since retiring from football, having coached Braga B and the first team until 2020, when he moved to Sporting Lisbon and won the Portuguese Super League title in 19 years in 2020-21. Sporting Lisbon have lost just one league game that season, a very similar situation to Xavi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Sporting Lisbon's results have since slipped to fourth, falling to fourth last season, but they have made a comeback this season and are currently at the top of the table, one point ahead of their main rivals Benfica and playing one game less. BBC journalist Chris Bertram believes it shows his ability to overcome adversity, and combined with the fact that Sporting Lisbon lost a number of great players last season, the team still performed, similar to Liverpool's potential for a star exodus coming season, could be one of the reasons why the Reds chose him.
As for Roberto De Zerbi, another favourite, Roberto De Zerbi, who will lead Brighton to Anfield on Sunday. The Italian coach's outstanding performance in coaching "Seagull" in recent years is believed to have left a deep impression on many fans.
He is unbeaten against Jurgen Klopp in four times in his career, winning two and drawing two, and Klopp has praised the opponent's struggle: "When they have the ball at their feet, you have to be prepared to suffer. It's going to be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to it. ”