Blow for Liverpool & Bayern Munich? Bayer Leverkusen chief explains why he's 'sure' coveted manager Xabi Alonso will NOT leave in the summer

Alonso has taken European football by storm this season after managing to keep Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten in the Bundesliga 21 matches into the campaign. They thrashed Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in a top-of-the-table clash at the weekend and are currently enjoying a five-point lead in first place.

The Spaniard's success at Leverkusen has caught the eyes of several top clubs in Europe, including Liverpool and Bayern, though Die Werkself's sporting director Rolfes believes his manager will stay at the club beyond 2023-24.

In an interview with SPORT1, Rolfes said: "Yes I'm sure [he will stay]. One [reason] is contract constellations. The other thing is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club. Also that he has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there is no change in the team.

"We will definitely have a top team available next year. These are all points that, in addition to contracts, coaches like Xabi but also players who arouse interest from other clubs often keep us with us."

He added: "He surprises me every now and then. What we and he always say internally: Everyone has their role and we have a good squad. Everyone has the quality to play a good role. Xabi has the courage to not only commit to an eleven but also to say: I'll adapt the system and bring other guys onto the pitch. We are not trapped in the system that is based on how we play football."

After Jurgen Klopp announced last month that he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Alonso has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club. Former defender Jamie Carragher has even urged the Reds to go after the Spanish coach next summer. Other than Liverpool, Alonso has also been linked with moves to Bayern and Chelsea.

Alonso's side will try to further extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga when they face Heidenheim on Saturday. Whatever happens in the summer, Alonso will want to secure a first-ever title for his current club.