The Spaniard has long been touted for an eventual return to Anfield, after his stint as a player there from 2004 to 2009. During that period, the now 42-year-old played a pivotal role in the club winning the Champions League in 2005, scoring in the final against AC Milan, and in their FA Cup final triumph a year later.
But he is in the midst of a Bundesliga title challenge, with Leverkusen currently two points clear of Bayern Munich ahead of a critical game between the two sides this Saturday. And their domestic cup ambitions remain on track following a dramatic midweek quarter-final win over Stuttgart.
And now former Manchester United player Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed that Alonso, who he played with at Bayern before switching to the Premier League, has admitted his desire to one day manager Liverpool. But he'd rather see him stay in Germany a little while longer.
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Bastian Schweinsteiger has had his say on the Xabi Alonso speculation. (Image: Getty)
"I know Xabi and I believe that it is his big dream to coach Liverpool one day,” he said, via Football Transfers. “I certainly think it's possible that he will move to Liverpool in the summer.
"I want him to stay in the Bundesliga for a bit longer because he is a godsend for the Bundesliga. Were it not for Leverkusen being so good, Bayern would already be miles ahead in terms of points. Then the situation would be different. But because Leverkusen are so good, we have a title race."
Leverkusen still await an inaugural top-flight title, and have not won the DFB-Pokal since 1993. But victory on Saturday will strengthen fan belief that Alonso’s side can end Bayern’s 11-year grip on the Bundesliga.
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Liverpool have reportedly already made an initial approach for their No.1 target, but Alonso himself has remained coy on his future, previously telling reporters: "Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he's done it.
“He has a connection with the fans, he's done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen. I have great motivation to do a good job here, I'm very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that's my focus.”
