Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has decided to bid farewell to the German outfit at the conclusion of this season, as he gears up for an anticipated transition to Real Madrid. Alonso confirmed his departure ahead of Leverkusen’s last home fixture on Sunday, emphasizing that it was the right time to make this decision public. He remarked, “Clarity is good for everyone,” after notifying his team about his exit prior to a training session on Friday.
Alonso, who signed with the club until 2026, has been instrumental in steering Leverkusen to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the team managed a league and cup double last season despite starting from a precarious position in the Bundesliga’s relegation zone in October 2022. Reflecting on his tenure, the 43-year-old expressed pride in their accomplishments, marking Leverkusen as the only team to have completed an unbeaten Bundesliga season. Although they couldn’t sustain the momentum this year and handed the league title to Bayern Munich recently, Alonso shared, “I have tried to squeeze them as much as possible. They have given me so much, so maybe we are empty right now.”
The Leverkusen position marked Alonso’s first senior managerial role following a distinguished playing career with elite clubs such as Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern. Before this, he honed his coaching skills as a reserve-team coach at Real Sociedad and began his coaching journey at Madrid’s youth setup. “I have learned so many things and I have improved as a coach, as someone that needs to have more resources for myself, for the future,” Alonso reflected on his growth during his time at Leverkusen.
Recalling his initiation into the role, Alonso spoke about his first talks with Leverkusen’s executives, who managed to persuade him to join their underperforming squad. According to him, “We had some ideas, some expectations. So once you fulfill them, you can say that the job was done.” While keeping mum about his impending destination, Alonso is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Ancelotti is amidst speculation regarding his future, with interest from Brazil and expectations of leaving Madrid after the current season. As Real Madrid prepares for a crucial clash against Barcelona, Ancelotti’s future appears more uncertain.
Alonso’s remaining fixtures with Leverkusen include a duel against Borussia Dortmund at home followed by a concluding match against Mainz. He departs with fondness for the club fondly known as “Bayer Neverkusen,” famed for frequent near-misses in the Bundesliga. Alonso remains optimistic about Leverkusen’s prospects, stating, “In the club, they are very intelligent and very well-prepared people that will take the club in the right direction, the same way that they have done till now.” He assures his continuous connection with the club, saying, “I will always be there to help in the best possible way I can, because this doesn’t vanish. I want to still have this bond with Bayer 04, because that stays forever.”
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, praised Alonso’s substantial impact, calling his tenure a “milestone in the development” of the team. Rolfes acknowledged the remarkable collaboration that captivated the football community with the team’s excellence and drive. As for Alonso’s successor, the club is expected to reveal the replacement soon, with names like Cesc Fabregas and Erik ten Hag rumored as potential candidates. While Alonso dismissed speculations linking Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz with a move to Bayern Munich, multiple clubs remain reportedly interested in the player. Additionally, defender Jonathan Tah will also bid farewell to Leverkusen at the season’s end. When prodded about any assurances given regarding player transfers from Leverkusen to his future club, Alonso humorously responded, “No promise.”