Jurgen Klopp has reacted to Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay put at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso has announced that he has decided to remain with Leverkusen, spurning interest from the likes of the Reds and another of his former clubs, Bayern Munich, in the process.
Alonso’s Leverkusen are on the verge of becoming the first side to stop Bayern winning the Bundesliga since Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in 2012.
Klopp has admitted he understands Alonso’s decision, given that he turned down a number of offers from elite clubs during his seven years with Dortmund.
Klopp
"One part I can speak about, a young manager being at a club where he’s doing really well,"
"I was in a similar situation, and did pretty much the same if you want. And never regretted it. That’s pretty much everything I can say about it.
"Xabi is doing an incredible job there.
Leverkusen has a good team, will probably keep their team together. I think that’s a possibility, not every year is like that.
"I understand that he wants to do that. For the other stuff, there’s nothing I have to say to be honest."
Klopp continued:
"I cannot think myself anymore in that situation. Do you think he is staying at Leverkusen because he thinks it is too quick?
"I don't think you can compare. Leverkusen are really impressive. It's not he just built on last year. He put an idea on the pitch. They stick to it and are incredible."
"They created a mentality which is really special. We won a lot of late games, they won a lot of late games. It's crazy.
"You cannot say for former players it is like this or like that. For some it might be too early, for others not. I don't know."
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