Xabi Alonso 'very happy' at Bayer Leverkusen but 'surprised' by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp decision

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has insisted that he is happy where he is as speculation ramps up about the Liverpool position following Jurgen Klopp's decision to step aside.

Klopp’s announcement on Friday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season sent shockwaves throughout the football world and immediately began speculation over Alonso.

The former Reds midfielder has earned plenty of plaudits for the way his Leverkusen side play and they currently sit top of the Bundesliga table, four points ahead of another of Alonso’s former sides, Bayern Munich.

Speaking on Friday at his press conference ahead of the derby with Borussia Monchengladbach Alonso played down any rumours about his future.

However he did admit that he was surprised by Klopp’s announcement.

"Speculation is normal. What Jürgen has achieved at Liverpool is incredible.

“I have great motivation, I'm very happy. With the club and with the team.

“My focus is not on May, but on Gladbach tomorrow. But I was surprised by the news from Liverpool."

Alonso was then asked about whether he could categorically rule out coaching Liverpool in the summer.

"That's a direct question, but I don't have a direct answer. Right now I'm here - for sure."

It is the second time this season that Alonso has been linked to a former side. Many media outlets in Spain had him pegged to take over at Real Madrid in the summer.

However those links went cold when it was confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti had signed a new contract with the club from the Spanish capital.

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