Xabi Alonso has been criticized by the English media in particular after refusing to join Liverpool to extend his contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso has established himself as one of the brightest young managers in world football this season, leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and the club remains in contention for a continental treble after going unbeaten all season. competitions combined.
A world-class midfielder who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Alonso was tipped to join his three former employers at the end of the current season. Carlo Ancelotti subsequently extended with Real, turning down Brazil, but the other two positions remain available, with Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool and Thomas Tuchel leaving Bayern. Alonso was the hot favorite to succeed Klopp at Anfield, and when he publicly announced his intention to stay at Leverkusen, former Arsenal player Paul Merson was one of the commentators to react negatively.
Alonso responds to Merson
The British consultant told Sky Sports: “You have to do things while the sun shines in this business, and you are talking about two of the biggest jobs in world football. These opportunities may never come again! I don't see Bayer Leverkusen winning the championship again next year, I think Bayern will continue as they have done for the last ten years. I'm shocked “.
Bayern have not been deprived of back-to-back Bundesliga titles since Klopp led Borussia Dortmund to victory in 2011 and 2012, but Alonso is happy he made the right choice. “Everyone is responsible for their decisions”, he told AS. “ I hope mine is the right one, I am convinced it will be so. I'm enjoying the moment and, of course, I want to continue to improve. Paul Merson will have made decisions that I do not like, mine is the following. »
