Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen next season amid interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The former midfielder has been linked with the manager's jobs at his old clubs but has told a press conference that he is going nowhere.
Alonso has excelled in his first couple of seasons as a first-team manager, earning a reputation as one of Europe's best young coaches.
The 42-year-old led Leverkusen to the semi-final of the Europa League in his first season in charge after being appointed in October 2022.
Xabi Alonso has announced he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen next season
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He has taken Leverkusen to a whole new level this season, with the team on course to win their first Bundesliga title.
They currently sit 10 points clear at the top of the table, with Bayern set to miss out on the title for the first time in 11 years.
Leverkusen are yet to lose a single match in all competitions and are in the latter stages of the Europa League and German Cup.
Alonso's performance in his short spell as manager has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Bayern.
Liverpool are on the search for their next manager after Jurgen Klopp announced in January that he would be leaving in the summer.
Alonso was quickly installed as the favourite to replace the German following his five-year spell as a player at Anfield.
Bayern also need a new coach after firing Thomas Tuchel, with the ex-Chelsea boss to leave once the season finishes.
But reports on Thursday claimed that it looked increasingly likely that Alonso would be staying at Leverkusen.
And now he has confirmed that is the case at a press conference on Friday.
Alonso thought long and hard about his future but has decided staying at Leverkusen would be the best for his career.
Alonso said: "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.
"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.
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Xabi Alonso had been linked with the Liverpool and Bayern Munich jobs
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"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 a 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.
Xabi Alonso says Bayer Leverkusen is the best place for him to develop
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"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."
