21 February 2024 , 11:35
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Xabi Alonso has spoken openly about the significant impact Bayern Munich has had on him as interest in his services intensifies.
The Spaniard, 42, has excelled in his first managerial role with Bayern Leverkusen, who are currently eight points clear and on course to win their first ever German title under Alonso's stewardship. Unfortunately for them, his impressive body of work has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
Alonso quickly emerged as the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool after the Anfield chief revealed he would be standing down from his role at the end of the season, but the Reds are likely to face fierce competition if they do decide to pursue their former midfielder.
Bayern have had a firsthand view of Alonso's impact at Leverkusen and he is likely to feature on their radar after they confirmed that Thomas Tuchel will be leaving the club at the end of the current campaign.
And while Alonso's previous spell with Liverpool would make the pull of Anfield a significant one, the playmaker finished his playing career in Bavaria and has made no secret of how much he enjoyed his time at Bayern Munich.
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Speaking during a media interview with FCBayern.com back in March 2023, Alonso said: “I happily remember my years in Munich. It was a special time from the first day till the last. I finished my career as a player there. It was something special for all of us. The memories are all very positive.”
When he was then asked why he decided to return to the Bundesliga as a coach, he added: “It’s to do with my experience as a player in the Bundesliga and my last years I spent at Bayern. That time had a big influence on me. I knew this would be a good step in my coaching career, and I’m very happy in Leverkusen.”
Join the debate! Who do you think Alonso will be managing next season? Let us know here.
Alonso finished his playing career at Bayern Munich (Getty Images)Alonso's comments outlining the special bond he has with Bayern indicates that he would have a difficult decision to make were they and Liverpool to make a move for him in the summer.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen explained that the club would undergo a "sporting realignment" in the summer following confirmation of Tuchel's exit on Wednesday.
He said: “In an open, good conversation we came to the decision to mutually end our collaboration in the summer. Our goal is to carry out a sporting realignment with a new coach for the 2024/25 season.
“Until then, every individual in the club is expressly challenged to achieve the maximum possible in the Champions League and the Bundesliga. I also explicitly hold the team responsible. Especially in the Champions League, we are convinced that after the 0-1 defeat in the first leg at Lazio Rome, we will advance to the quarter-finals in the second leg in our fully occupied Allianz Arena with our fans behind us.”
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