Xabi Alonso has huge “admiration” for Jürgen Klopp, who today announced that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
Speaking to media on Friday afternoon, Alonso – who played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 – had only positive things to say about Klopp, but reiterated that his only focus is on Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten and top the Bundesliga by four points.
“I have great respect and admiration for Jürgen,” said Alonso. “At the moment, I’m really happy here and enjoying my work here. Every day is a challenge and we’re in an intense, but beautiful journey here in Leverkusen.
“I feel like I’m in a great place and I’m enjoying it. It’s the right place. That’s all I can say.
“What is going to happen in the future? I don’t know. And I don’t really care at the moment.”
💬 "I have huge respect and admiration for Jürgen. But at the moment I am really happy here, and enjoying my work here. Each day is a challenge and we're in an intense, but beautiful journey here in Leverkusen."
— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) January 26, 2024
– Xabi Alonso reacts to Jürgen Klopp's exit news. pic.twitter.com/BmM6LQrH5Q
Klopp’s announcement on Friday came somewhat as a surprise to many in the footballing world. Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel, who faced off against his fellow countryman on 19 occasions, was shocked by the news, but claimed, “Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world.”
Klopp was, in many ways, not just the perfect manager, but the perfect person for the Liverpool fans to adore. Nevertheless, he was always going to be judged upon his results, and thankfully, he was able to deliver on a level that some Liverpool fans had only ever heard stories about.
