Xabi Alonso will not feature on the final shortlist to become Jürgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool after the Spaniard decided that he will not leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The development strengthens the hand of candidates such as the Sporting Lisbon head coach, Rúben Amorim, who is highly regarded at Anfield, and the Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi.
Liverpool’s due diligence indicated that Alonso is minded to stay at Leverkusen for at least another season and continue the impressive work that has left the club on the brink of a first Bundesliga title, and the 42-year-old confirmed his intentions at a press conference today.
“There has been a lot of speculation around my future, we have been busy and focused and I
