Germany legend Lothar Mathhaus believes Xabi Alonso would snub Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and instead extend his stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year. Alonso is currently the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, who are on top of Bundesliga with 61 points, and are favourites to lift the trophy as they enjoy an eight point lead.
“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," Matthaus was quoted as saying by The Sun.
“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," added the 62-year-old.
With Thomas Tuchel set to leave German giants Bayern Munich at the end of the ongoing season, Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso, a former club legend, should be on top of Bayern’s list. “As for the search for Tuchel’s successor, I would first like to say one thing: Xabi Alonso has to top Bayern’s list because of his resume, his authority and his successful work at Leverkusen," said Matthaus.
“I can’t think of any coach in Europe or the world who fits Bayern Munich better than Xabi Alonso," added the 1990 FIFA World Cup winner.
“But Alonso is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and I think that is good. Xabi Alonso 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," continued Matthaus.
Matthaus believes Xabi Alonso was “true to his character”. “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," added the former Bayern star.