"I really think he wants to stay" - Patrick Lefevere does not want to see Julian Alaphilippe leave Quick-Step despite heated moments

Over the past two years Julian Alaphilippe has struggled with illnesses and injuries often, which left Soudal - Quick-Step manager Patrick Lefevere disappointed because of the lack of performances for a rider with a big salary. The Belgian has often talked in public and criticized Alaphilippe, but in a recent interview he admits that he wouldn't like to see the former World Champion leave and he believes the feeling is mutual.

“I see that you guys know more than I do but I’ve not spoken to his agent in weeks but Julian I saw at Flanders, so I know he’s at Romandie, and then I’ll be at the start of the Giro d’Italia and then we’ll see. Last year they said there was interest from Total but it was never concrete, so we’ll see," Lefevere said in words to GCN. "Maybe for him it’s time for a new challenge but there are always two at the table. I don’t know but from the CEO of the team I know that his agent says that he wants to talk. As far as I know, talking is free."

Alaphilippe is in contact with TotalEnergies, team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau has already confirmed. A move is likely, but not confirmed. Cofidis was another option but Cédric Vasseur is not too interested in the transfer, due to the heavy comparisons that are made to Peter Sagan's move to TotalEnergies. “Time changes. Maybe he has to look but I really don’t think that’s what he wants. I really think he wants to stay but I won’t speak before my turn because if I say something it’s misunderstood," Lefevere adds.

He has criticized the Frenchman in the past, but it is not out of hate, and explains his side of the situation: "He’s part of the family. Okay sometimes we have a discussion and it’s blown up but that’s family. If you’re married, not every day is peace. If you’re on a team with 85 people then it’s normal that there’s some discussion or some friction but at the end of the day we’re adults and if you can sit at the table, talk it out and speak face to face then it’s not a problem."

Alaphilippe still looks in synch with the team, but it is contract year and the truth is that there is a decision to make for the classics specialist this year. The ongoing Tour de Romandie - where he is currently showing good form - and the Giro d'Italia may be key to his decision and negotiations, depending on his performances and results.

“There are nice rumours that can live their own life but it's also free publicity. It’s also the work of the agents to show to us and the outside world that there’s interest because it keeps the price acceptable. Everyone knows he likes the parcours in Italy and the first goal is a stage win. Normally we’ll decide to do the Giro, and from there normally we don’t send him to two straight Grand Tours. There is also the Olympics but I’m not the French selector. The Games in Paris, he’s French so every French rider wants to be at the Olympics."

Lefevere also shared his thoughts on Kasper Asgreen who is on contract year. Having won the Tour of Flanders in the past, big hopes were deposited in the Dane and that he would be able to continue putting the team's name in the spotlight throughout the cobbled classics. But that hasn't happened over the past few seasons. But Lefevere is not quick to dispatch one of the riders that the team has developed.

“It depends on their demands. If they’re reasonable in the negotiations then we’ll speak. Both of them didn’t have a great start to the season and Kasper saved his year last year with a stage in the Tour. He’s had bad luck and it’s hard to judge someone like that. I don’t say yes, I don’t say no. We still have to negotiate, and we’re not the only team on the market.”