sport news Jurgen Klopp admits he 'understands' Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer ... trends now
Jurgen Klopp has admitted he understands Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.
Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso had been strongly linked to his former club after his exploits in Germany, with the Spaniard touted to replace Klopp when he leaves in the summer.
However, Alonso - who was also tipped to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich - announced on Friday that he plans to stay with Leverkusen for the foreseeable future, claiming he feels happy and valued at the club.
And Klopp, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool's game with Brighton on Sunday, insisted he could relate to Alonso's decision.
'The one part I can speak about is being a young manager where he's doing really well,' he said.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted he understands Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso had been strongly linked with replacing Klopp, but has chosen to stay with Leverkusen
He has overseen a remarkable transformation with Leverkusen, who are unbeaten this season
'I had a similar situation and did pretty much the same and never regretted it. That's pretty much everything I can say.
'Xabi is doing an incredible job there. Leverkusen has a really good team and could keep the team together next season.
'It doesn't happen every year like that. I understand that he wants to do that.'
Alonso's bombshell - which Mail Sport reported on Thursday - leaves Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as the leading candidate to replace Klopp, alongside Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Amorim, 39, is expected to be given an interview after he scored well on Liverpool’s data tests.
Alonso, who was seen as Liverpool's dream target, has overseen a revolution at Bayer Leverkusen since joining
