Bayer Leverkusen supremo Fernando Carro has insisted Xabi Alonso is “happy” in Germany amid reports linking him to the Tottenham Hotspur job.
The former Liverpool midfielder had emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Antonio Conte, with little experience as a manager. An impressive job since joining Leverkusen has resulted in Die Werkself climbing from a relegation battle to the cusp of a European spot.
Big-name stars like Moussa Diaby were underperforming but Alonso has managed to get a tune out of his squad to save Leverkusen’s season. As it stands, the Spaniard is second favourite behind Julian Nagelsmann to become the next Spurs boss.
READ MORE: Tottenham already have their own Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne despite goal output concern
Appointing an unproven manager would be a bold move from Daniel Levy but inexperienced Spanish coaches have a track record of delivering success. Alonso’s compatriots Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta landed huge jobs while their touchline careers were in their infancy.
However, Bayer CEO Carro appears determined to keep the 41-year-old at the club - insisting he “is sure” his immediate future lies in Germany while providing insight into what makes him a good manager. He told Spanish outlet AS : “He has a contract with us until 2024. He is happy here and we are happy with him.
“We are enjoying working together and I am sure we will be with him next season. And hopefully, there are many more but, in football, you can’t look much further. A responsibility that we have as club directors is undoubtedly to see and observe coaches, not only when you need it, but at other times.
“We had been following Xabi Alonso for a long time, we had him on our list of possible future coaches for the moment we thought fit. The sum of his virtues, his experience in different leagues and having learned from many coaches, made us sure that he was a very good bet for the future. That is why we decided to take the step.”
READ NEXT
Tottenham news: Daniel Levy makes major manager decision as Napoli sporting director eyed
Premier League fifth-place Champions League qualification rules explained amid Tottenham hope
Tottenham and Ryan Mason facing Cristian Romero challenge as Antonio Conte verdict rings true
Tottenham's possible 25-man squad for next season includes seven transfer deals for new manager
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
