Jurgen Klopp admits he ‘understands’ Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen and not replace him at Liverpool – as he reveals he made a ‘similar’ choice earlier in his career

Jurgen Klopp has admitted he understands Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso has been strongly linked with his former club following his performances in Germany, with the Spaniard touted to replace Klopp if he leaves this summer.

However, Alonso – who was also tipped to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich – announced on Friday that he plans to stay at Leverkusen for the foreseeable future, claiming he feels happy and valued at the club.

And Klopp said in his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s match against Brighton on Sunday that he agreed with Alonso’s decision.

“All I can talk about is being a young manager where he’s doing really well,” he said.

Alonso was heavily linked with Klopp’s replacement but has opted to stay at Leverkusen

He has undergone a remarkable transformation at Leverkusen, who are undefeated this season

‘I had a similar situation and did pretty much the same thing and never regretted it. That’s about all I can say.

‘Xabi is doing a fantastic job there. Leverkusen has a very good team and could keep the team together next season.

‘Something like that doesn’t happen every year. I understand that he wants to do that.’

Alonso’s blow – which was reported by Mail Sport 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 scoring well in Liverpool’s data tests.

Alonso, who was seen as Liverpool’s dream target, has overseen a revolution at Bayer Leverkusen since joining in October 2022.

When he signed up they were in the relegation zone, but he sent them into the top six.

This season they are ten points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, are unbeaten all season and are in the last eight of the Europa League for the second year in a row.

Speaking about his decision earlier on Friday, Alonso said: “There has been a lot of speculation about my future, we have been busy and focused and I wanted the international break to reflect a little better.

“I had a very good conversation with the decision makers and I decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I think this is the right place to develop as a coach. I have to feel it, and right now I feel like this is the right place… my work is not over here.”

He added: “All decisions certainly had to be properly analyzed and I tried to make the right ones. I tried to adopt them in such a way that I feel like they come naturally and at this moment I felt that this is the best place for me to be, where I can develop as a coach.

“I’m a young coach but I have to feel it and at the moment I feel like this is the right place and I have to thank the management, the club who really supported me.”

Alonso went on to explain how he felt appreciated on the German side. He told reporters: “I really feel respected by all departments.

‘I feel the fans who have shown great support in difficult moments this year and last year. We have every reason to believe and dream that we can have a great season, we really push for that.

‘A great staff that helps me every day to work better, prepare and improve the team.

‘The players. Certainly, the players, they give me so many reasons to continue to believe in the team because of the commitment, the desire and the hunger for a great season.”

Alonso concluded by saying: ‘I want to help them, I want to help the team, I want to help the young players develop and if I am part of a process I am happy with that.

“All things considered, I have made this important decision and I am convinced that it is the right one, I am happy. I’m still young, so time will tell, but right now that’s how I feel.”