Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has issued a warning to Xabi Alonso regarding the possibility of choosing Bayern Munich over Liverpool for his next career move.
The Spaniard has garnered widespread acclaim for his managerial success since taking the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Alonso’s impressive performance has led to speculation that he could succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, following Klopp’s announcement last month of his decision to step down.
Bayern Munich are currently in search of a new manager as Thomas Tuchel is poised to depart the Bavarian club at the season’s end.
Leverkusen currently leads the Bundesliga by eleven points and remains undefeated, with Tuchel’s Bayern dropping points in a torrid run of form.
Alonso has steered Bayer Leverkusen eleven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann highlights the difficulties of managing Bayern Munich
Alonso is also in contention to succeed Jurgen Klopp when he leaves Anfield later this year
Xabi Alonso has been centre of media attention with his impressive run of form at Leverkusen
However, Nagelsmann, who was relieved of his duties by Bayern in March 2023, has already warned Alonso against favouring Bayern over Liverpool.
In an interview with German outlet Der Speigel, Nagelsmann said: ‘I was signed by Bayern with the proviso that I would change things.
‘There are clubs that give you time. Jürgen Klopp was at Liverpool for five years before he became champion there for the first time. Pep Guardiola only won the Champions League title with Manchester City after seven years. The coaches at Bayern Munich don’t get as much time to develop something.’
‘What is communicated to the outside world after a separation has little to do with reality. But that’s how it’s always been done in football, and that’s how it will be for the next 30 years.’ He added.
Addressing the speculation surrounding his future, Alonso said he was ‘not thinking about the next step’, last month.
‘To be honest I am not in this moment thinking about the next step. I am thinking about where I am right now and I think I am in a great place which I enjoy.
I’m going to be happy if we play well and deserve to win. What’s going to happen in the future… I don’t know and I don’t really care at the moment. Speculation is normal, my focus is here on Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen are now eleven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich in second place with a game in hand.
Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig at home on Saturday before facing Lazio in the Champions League to fight back from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg.
