Xabi Alonso has reiterated that he is only focusing on his work at Bayer Leverkusen, as the speculation surrounding the Spaniard's future continues to gather pace.
Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are believed to have identified Alonso as their leading managerial target for the summer, with the two giants of European clubs both in the market for new head coaches.
Jurgen Klopp will stand down as Liverpool boss this summer, while it was announced on Wednesday that Thomas Tuchel's time as Bayern manager would end once the current season has concluded.
Alonso was in charge of Real Sociedad B between 2019 and 2022 before moving to Leverkusen, and his team are still unbeaten in all competitions during an incredible 2023-24 campaign.
Die Werkself sit top of the Bundesliga table, eight points ahead of second-placed Bayern, ahead of Friday's clash with Mainz 05.
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Leverkusen are also active in the German Cup and Europa League this term, with Alonso looking to deliver a historic campaign for the club in terms of silverware.
Bayern have allegedly now officially been in touch with Alonso to register their interest in him, while Liverpool are also believed to be stepping up their pursuit.
However, Alonso has said that Friday's clash with Mainz is currently taking his full focus, with the former midfielder not prepared to alter his stance at such an important stage of the campaign.
"I'm assuming that right now [I will be Leverkusen coach next season]. It's not a problem for me. I know that my goal is to be successful with the team," Alonso told reporters on Thursday.
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"This is my work. We are in a very good situation right now. We want to continue like this. Right now I'm the coach. That's for sure. I have nothing new to say for the future. We will see. It's normal that there are questions, but it's off-topic now. Now is not the time for me to talk much about it."
When asked about the speculation linking him with a switch to Bayern, Alonso added: "It's not a problem. It's a super opponent that we have, but there is no distraction. For me this [speculation] is not a problem."
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Alonso would prefer to take charge of Bayern than Liverpool at this stage of his managerial career.
The Spaniard represented Liverpool as a player between 2004 and 2009, while he represented Bayern at the end of his career, joining the club from Real Madrid in 2014 and turning out for the Munich giants until 2017.
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