Jurgen Klopp has reacted to Xabi Alonso’s decision to turn down Liverpool.
Alonso was the forerunner to succeed Klopp in the Anfield hot seat this summer after steering Bayer Leverkusen to the brink of a first Bundesliga title.
But the former Reds midfielder has announced his intention to remain at the BayArena beyond this season, ending a potential homecoming appointment.
And Klopp, who publicly endorsed Alonso’s candidacy last month, admits that he can understand the World Cup winner’s reasons for choosing to stay put.
He said: “The one part I can speak about is being a young manager at a club doing really well.
“I had a similar situation and did pretty much the same and never regretted it. That’s pretty much all I can say.
“Xabi is doing a great job there and it’s possible they can keep the team together. It’s not always like that.
“I can understand why he wants to do that.”