Bastian Schweinsteiger has praised his former Bayern teammate Xabi Alonso for his work as Bayer Leverkusen coach. But Schweinsteiger does not expect Alonso to stay in Leverkusen beyond the summer.
“I know Xabi and I think his big dream is to coach Liverpool too. And I can already imagine that it could be this summer. That he is going to Liverpool,” said Schweinsteiger on ARD.
In general, the 2014 world champion praised the work of his former companion, with whom he played together for FC Bayern in the 2014/15 season. “I would like him to be in the Bundesliga longer because he is good for the Bundesliga. If Leverkusen weren’t so strong, Bayern Munich would already be miles ahead in terms of points. Then the situation would be different. Because Leverkusen is so strong, we have such a duel.”
Immediately after Jürgen Klopp announced his departure from the Reds at the end of the season, speculation arose about Alonso moving to the island. “Speculation is normal. I’m really happy here, every day is a challenge. We are on a great journey,” said Alonso then.
Leverkusen is the “right place” and he is currently not thinking about his future. Asked whether he could rule out coaching Liverpool next season, Alonso said: “It’s a direct question but I don’t have a direct answer. I’m safe here.”
Alonso, who played for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009, still has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026. But if one of his former clubs makes an inquiry, the 42-year-old could reportedly leave via a release clause.