LEVERKUSEN, Germany: Coach Xabi Alonso is concentrating on Bayer Leverkusen and has dismissed speculation linking him with some of Europe鈥檚 biggest clubs.
The 41-year-old Alonso has enjoyed a successful start to his first senior coaching job after turning Leverkusen鈥檚 fortunes around and he said Wednesday he鈥檚 not finished yet.
鈥淚鈥檓 very happy with the team and the club. I鈥檓 not thinking at all about my future,鈥� Alonso said before Thursday鈥檚 Europa League semifinal match against Roma.
鈥淚鈥檓 fully focused on what I want, and I鈥檝e spoken with everyone who needs to know.鈥�
Asked if that meant he will be coaching Leverkusen next season, Alonso replied, 鈥測es, that鈥檚 correct.鈥�
Alonso, whose contract with Leverkusen runs to 2024, had been linked with taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at his former club Real Madrid or at Premier League club Tottenham.
Leverkusen were second from last in the Bundesliga when Alonso took over from the fired Gerardo Seoane last October. He has since led the team to seventh place with two rounds remaining, while a place in the Europa League final is still possible.
Leverkusen need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Roma when they host the Italian team for the second leg on Thursday.
鈥淭he first game was very close. We can expect more tomorrow,鈥� Alonso said. 鈥淭he little details will be important. But I feel the energy from the team and if we give everything on the field, we can proud after the game.鈥�