'I'm assuming that right now' - Xabi Alonso discusses future as Bayern battle Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen coach

Alonso has done an excellent job at the Bay Arena, generating interest from major clubs as well as former sides Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Both will have managerial vacancies to fill in the summer, with Jurgen Klopp departing Liverpool and Thomas Tuchel poised to mutually end his contract with the Bavarians.

Alonso told reporters: "I’m assuming that right now [I will be Leverkusen coach next season]. It’s not a problem for me. I know that my goal is to be successful with the team. This is my work. We are in a very good situation right now. We want to continue like this. Right now I’m the coach. That's for sure. I have nothing new to say for the future. We will see. It's normal that there are questions, but it's off-topic now. Now is not the time for me to talk much about it."

Since taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022, the Spaniard has led Die Werkself from second from bottom the season prior to an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with 12 games remaining in the current campaign. Alonso's remain unbeaten this season, having won an astounding 28 of 32 games across all competitions, making him a top managerial candidate for multiple clubs.

The Spaniard will be hyper-focused on the job at hand as he looks to end Bayern Munich's 11-year-long reign in the Bundesliga. His Leverkusen side will be in action next up when they take on Mainz on Friday, February 23.