Xabi Alonso accused of ‘bottling it’ after turning Liverpool job down

Callum Boyle

‘I would question the size of his cojones!’

Xabi Alonso has been accused of “bottling it” by Richard Keys after he revealed that he would be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for the forseeable future.

Alonso is one of the most sought-after managers in the world following his impressive work with Leverkusen. The Spaniard has been heavily linked with the soon-to-be vacant Liverpool and Bayern Munich jobs.

There was even potential that he could’ve been targeted as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement at Real Madrid but instead announced that he still had unfinished business with his current employers.

But Keys felt that he was wasting an opportunity and said that it could be the only time he ever has so many high-profile clubs courting him.

Speaking on BeIN Sports, Keys said: “Alonso announced yesterday that he is staying. In my opinion that is a huge mistake. At no other time in history will jobs at Liverpool, Munich, Manchester United, maybe Real Madrid will these jobs all be available again.

“Right now he can have his pick. At no other point in his career going forward will he ever be in this luxurious position again, ever. He might get Real Madrid at another time, and now’s a good time to get Real.

“I would question the size of his cojones. Leicester-kusen because Bayer Leverkusen will never again have a season like this. Bayern Munich will make sure next year that they have another decade of domination in German football, Leverkusen might pick up the odd cup here and there.

“Right now his stock is as high as it will ever be and his opportunities are as broad and as great as they will ever be, and I think he has bottled it.”

"I would question the size of his cojones!"

"Would you really?" 👀@richardajkeys believes that Xabi Alonso is making a huge mistake in staying with Bayer Leverkusen!

Thoughts?#beINPL #LFC pic.twitter.com/gI6Xg3qYik
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 30, 2024

‘My job isn’t over here’

Reflecting on his decision to stay, Alonso said: “I am convinced it is the right decision, I am happy.

“I wanted to reflect in the international break. The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in them – their commitment, their desire, their hunger. My job isn’t over here. It would not be correct to talk about other clubs.”

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