'There Is No Distraction': Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso on Rumours of Bayern Munich Switch

With head coach Thomas Tuchel set to leave Bayern Munich by the end of the season, questions are being raised about Bayern’s future, especially on the lines of who can be expected to take over the reins.

And one unassuming name that has popped up has been that of none other than the Bavarians’ current rival, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

The spark that lit the fuse of the seemingly ticking timebomb that is Bayern was none other than Xabi Alonso himself. Since their disgraceful 1-3 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, the Bavarians have slumped to a frustrating low, as they incurred a 1-0 loss to Lazio in the Champions League and followed it up with the most embarrassing one of all, a 3-2 defeat to 11th place Bochum in the Bundesliga.

How poetic would it be? A rival turned savior.

But, the Spaniard seems to have other plans, and is focused on the present for now.

When asked about the speculation and Bayern’s history of signing players and coaches from league rivals, Alonso said on Thursday, “It’s not a problem. It’s a super opponent that we have, but there is no distraction.”

“Maybe you have a question or two about my future. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing new to say”.

“Right now I’m the coach here, that’s for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we’ll see,” stated Alonso.

From battling relegation ton battling the Bavarians for the title, Alonso has been at the driver’s seat for Leverkusen this season, orchestrating a team that has looked unstoppable so far.

Alonso’s rise to the top echelons of footballing management has been one that has caught the eyes of many across Europe, who are on the lookout to poach him to their sides. Especially with the announced departure of Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, the rumours surrounding Alonso’s inevitable exit continue to dominate headlines.

But, former Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director Rudi Voller finally had enough and backed coach Xabi Alonso to stay beyond this season, despite the persistent rumours.

“I can’t imagine him going anywhere else in summer at the moment”, Voller said to Bild when asked about the Spaniard’s future.

“It could happen at some point that he goes to another club, but I can’t imagine it this summer.”

Alonso is yet to sign an extension with Leverkusen, enticing clubs galore to take their chances at wooing the Spaniard.