'The right place for me to develop' - Alonso on Leverkusen decision

Xabi Alonso says "everything is clear" now after confirming he will stay as Bayer Leverkusen manager amid interest from Liverpool as well as Bayern Munich.

Alonso had been heavily linked with succeeding Jurgen Klopp at the club he represented for five years as a player when the German departs this summer.

The 42-year-old has guided Leverkusen to 10 points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich with eight games to play as well as a Europa League quarter-final with West Ham.

"It's been a season where we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future," he said. "Until now, we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.

"Last week, I had a very good meeting when I informed them [Leverkusen's directors] of my decision to continue being coach. You need to analyse all decisions well and I try to take the right ones, I try to take them in a natural way.

"At the moment, this is the right place for me to develop. I am a young coach. Right now, this is the right place. The club had been supportive and I feel respected by all departments.

"The fans have shown great support and they have reasons to believe and dream we will have a great season. I have a great staff to help me work day by day, and so for sure the players.

"Last week was my deadline for sure. All my cards on the table. Once I took the decision I felt I needed to share it with everyone. It is a sign of respect. I informed the players at a team talk this morning.

"It was important it wasn't affecting the team and the mentality of the team was good. Everything is clear."