Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is one of the most in-demand managers in the world courtesy of the spectacular job he is doing at the German club but the Spaniard has made up his mind, claimed World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus.
According to Matthaus, despite being strong interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Alonso has no interest in managing either club and intends to continue his journey with Leverkusen.
Liverpool are in the market for a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's announcement last month that he will be departing at the end of the season to take a break from football.
Similarly, Bayern Munich find themselves in a comparable situation, with current manager Thomas Tuchel mutually agreeing to part ways with the club in the summer due to a poor run of form.
Former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Alonso emerged as the early frontrunner for both of these managerial positions, owing to his successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Alonso steered the German side to the top of the Bundesliga table, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich with 11 matches remaining.
Despite speculation suggesting that Liverpool is now his "clear preference" over Bayern Munich this summer, German legend Matthaus believes Alonso will opt to remain at Leverkusen for the next season.
"His dream may be to one day coach Bayern, Liverpool or Real Madrid. But, in my opinion, he is not done at Leverkusen yet. Xabi is not someone who gets carried away by big names, he has celebrated too many successes as a player for that," said Matthaus.
“He, in addition, is not going to be guided by the economic aspect. What matters to him is what he has built and who he has built it with. He knows where he comes from and what he owes to others. That’s why I don’t think he’s going to sign for another club next season.
“I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso. But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good.
“[He] is not yet interested in Bayern Munich, nor in Liverpool or Real Madrid. He is only interested in winning three titles with Leverkusen in the next two and a half months.
“The way he was a player, he is the same now as a coach. He is true to his character. The stories that are unfolding now and in the coming weeks and months don’t matter to him. He has no pressure and can take things easy.”