He led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever, going unbeaten in all 34 games. Alonso also reached the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, and soon after he was linked to the vacant job at Liverpool. He ruled himself out of the running ...

Liverpool's worst Xabi Alonso fears may about to be realized if the Bayer Leverkusen boss does opt to leave the Bundesliga side in the summer, with Real Madrid and Manchester City circling

The Dutchman chosen to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer maintained his perfect Champions League record with his new club, chalking up a fourth consecutive win as a second-half Luis Diaz hat-trick, and another goal from Cody Gakpo, overwhelmed Alonso’s German champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Arne Slot vs. Xabi Alonso had the makings of an epic battle. In the end it was the Liverpool coach who cruised to victory against the man many believed was destined to take over at Anfield this season.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is one of the most highly-regarded young coaches in the game after masterminding a domestic invincible season with the German side last term.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso will reportedly leave the club next summer amid links with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.