As defensive as Rolfes was in this matter, he was equally unequivocal about the future of coach Xabi Alonso. Although the Basque is still under contract with Bayer 04 until 2026, it is well known that the 42-year-old is considered the hottest successor candidate to Jürgen Klopp at FC Liverpool, who will be leaving Anfield Road in the summer.
Will Xabi Alonso stay at Bayer? "Yes," Rolfes stated without reservation, "I'm sure of that." Of course, one could interpret this statement as the managing director's attempt to avoid additional unrest in the title race. However, Rolfes is not a manager who makes such statements in the style of Konrad Adenauer ("What do I care about my chatter from yesterday").