Europa League: Xabi Alonso says he’s staying at Bayer Leverkusen, dismisses speculation
The HinduBayern Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has rubbished his links away from the club and has said that his immediate focus is on the Europa League semifinal. I’m not thinking at all about my future,” Alonso said before Thursday’s Europa League semifinal match against Roma. “I’m fully focused on what I want, and I’ve spoken with everyone who needs to know.” The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder has turned the fortunes of Leverkusen as the club sits seventh in the Bundesliga table with a chase to secure European football next season, too. But when asked whether he will stay at the club next season, he calmly replied, “yes, that’s correct.” Professor vs Apprentice in Europa League semifinal Against his former head coach Jose Mourinho’s side, Leverkusen lost 0-1 but the Spaniard feels the contest is ‘still open’. But I feel the energy from the team and if we give everything on the field, we can proud after the game.” “When we’ve given everything, then we can leave with our heads held high.” Alonso also added that it is difficult to second-guess his former coach, who has already steered Roma to its first European Trophy in 60 years.