The former Liverpool and Spanish midfielder, Xabi Alonso, has put to bed the idea that he would be making a sensational return to the Merseyside club as a manager next season.

Alonso has been heavily tipped to take over as the Liverpool boss following Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement that he will be quitting as the end of the 2023/24 season.

Alonso is currently the manager of the German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen as has been linked with jobs at Liverpool, as well as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Ironically, Alonso represented all three of these clubs as a player.

The 42-year-old Alonso has now confirmed that he will not be leaving Leverkusen,

“It's been a season of speculation regarding my future,” said the man who played in 142 games for Liverpool.

“Up till now we have been busy and focused on the season and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

“Last week I had a meeting when I informed the directors of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

“At the moment this is the right place for me to develop as a coach, I am a young coach. Right now, this is the right place. I have to thank the management.

“The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments.”

Xabi Alonso played from Liverpool from 2004-2009 before joining Real Madrid - Getty

As it stands, Leverkusen, are on a 34-match unbeaten run this season and they are on course for a treble. Leverkusen are ten points clear of the German giants Munich in the Bundesliga.

As a player Alonso won the 2008 Euro with Spain, as well as the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In 2009 he represented Spain in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, and played in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport