Xhaka Praises Alonso Amidst Transfer Rumors: "We Had a Blast, No Matter the Outcome"
Xhaka celebrates Alonso: 'Regardless of outcomes, our camaraderie was fantastic' - Alonso and Xhaka share camaraderie: Xhaka appreciates Alonso, expressing enjoyment despite circumstances.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka isn't letting transfer speculation surrounding coach Xabi Alonso dampen his spirits. After the 2-2 draw against SC Freiburg, Xhaka shared, "Regardless of what happens, we had a blast." The future of the German champions' trainer remains uncertain, but Xhaka believes Alonso will stay put, barring any indications to the contrary.
Following the game in Freiburg, there were no new updates from Alonso himself regarding his future plans. Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes continues to believe that clarity will be achieved by the end of the season.
Alonso and Real Madrid
For months, there's been speculation surrounding Alonso as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Alonso still holds a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, but he has an understanding with the club that they will release him if a professional club he's previously played for makes an offer.
Should Alonso choose to depart, Leverkusen is said to be close to a deal with Dutchman Erik ten Hag as his replacement, according to "Kicker." There have also been whispers about Cesc Fàbregas from Como 1907.
"It's easier for every team and every player to know who'll be on the sidelines next year," Xhaka explained. However, he emphasized, "That shouldn't be an excuse for our poor performances lately."
Leverkusen's Farewell
Dethroned as champions, Leverkusen can no longer realistically catch up with FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga after their 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig. While they fell short in reaching the DFB-Pokal final, losing to third-tier club Arminia Bielefeld in the semis, Xhaka called the season "not a complete disaster."
There were too many minor mistakes leading to dropped points, Xhaka admitted. In their final two games against Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05, the team aims to finish strong.
- Xabi Alonso
- Granit Xhaka
- Leverkusen
- Bundesliga
- Freiburg
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Future
- Erik ten Hag
- SC Freiburg
- Simon Rolfes
- Real Madrid
- Cesc Fàbregas
Enrichment Insights
As of early May 2025, Xabi Alonso is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with Real Madrid his most likely destination. Key points in the situation include:
- Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro confirmed a "gentleman's agreement" allowing Alonso to leave for clubs he previously played for (Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Sociedad) without complications.
- Alonso is believed to have a pre-negotiated two-year contract with Madrid, where he is the top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
- Leverkusen is reported to demand a double-digit million fee for Alonso's departure, despite the informal exit arrangement.
Leverkusen's Last Stand
With their title hopes faded, Leverkusen prepares for their final two Bundesliga matches against Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05. They will give it their all to end the season on a high note. Xhaka acknowledged that the team dropped too many points earlier in the season and is eager to make amends. However, the midfielder emphasized that they have had a good time with Alonso as their coach and are hoping for a successful conclusion to the season, regardless of whether their coach remains with the club or moves on to a new opportunity.
- Xhaka acknowledged the transfer speculation surrounding Alonso, but emphasized that the team had a great time regardless, saying, "Regardless of what happens, we had a blast."
- In the context of Leverkusen's upcoming games against Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05, Xhaka admitted that the team dropped too many points earlier in the season and is eager to make amends, aiming to finish strong.
- Xhaka believes that Alonso will stay with Bayer Leverkusen, barring any indications to the contrary, despite the ongoing rumors of Alonso's departure for Real Madrid.
- The future of Xabi Alonso remains uncertain, as he is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with Real Madrid his most likely destination, according to recent reports.
