Manager puts an end to rumours that he could join Tottenham this summer

Xabi Alonso has seemingly put an end to speculation linking him with the vacant managerial role at Tottenham Hotspur after confirming he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen until 2024.

The former Liverpool midfielder took over as head coach at the German side last October and has taken Leverkusen from the relegation zone to within touching distance of European qualification this season.

Thanks to the huge improvement in his side’s fortunes and the manner in which he approaches the game, Alonso has become one of the most exciting young managers in football right now.

Earlier this month, Alonso became a surprise frontrunner in the race to become the next permanent manager at Tottenham (De Telegraaf).

It was believed Daniel Levy was even willing to pay the Spaniard’s contract out at Leverkusen to seal the deal (The Mirror).

However, reports yesterday suggested Tottenham had some ‘concerns’ over the relative inexperience of Alonso and he was now only considered to have an outside chance of landing the job (Evening Standard).

Now, the latest from Germany comes via BILD Leverkusen, as Alonso himself all but confirmed he would not be taking the Spurs job and will instead stay with his current club until the end of his contract.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League semi-final second leg against Roma, Alonso said: “I’m happy here with the team and the club. I’m not worried about my future.”

The 41-year-old was then asked: “That means you’ll be a coach here until 2024?” to which Alonso replied: “That is correct.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I think it would have been a very big and bold move for Alonso to jump to one of the biggest Premier League clubs after just one season with Leverkusen.

We have seen what can happen to promising managers who make the wrong move, and I don’t think Alonso wants to rush his own development, which is a smart decision.

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