Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay put gives Liverpool tricky choices at time of flux | Jonathan Wilson

Spaniard remaining at Leverkusen shows laudable loyalty but with several big clubs seeking new managers, Liverpool’s task is not easy

Perhaps it was always too perfect: not just the idea of Jürgen Klopp handing over to a revered former player, the man who scored the equaliser in Istanbul, but of the baton being passed on after a Europa League final meeting in Dublin.

When Bayer Leverkusen came from behind to keep that narrative alive with two injury-time goals against Qarabag, the Kloppian nature of the comeback felt profoundly appropriate. But Xabi Alonso announced on Friday he will remain with Leverkusen for at least one more season and attempt a Champions League campaign with the side he is surely about to lead to a first Bundesliga title, and that means Liverpool must think again.

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