Xabi Alonso's Exit from Bayer Leverkusen and Madrid Caretaker Appointment
Alonso Rejects Undignified Finish at the Eleventh Hour
After a whopping three years at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, Spain's Xabi Alonso officially declared he's packing his bags. The announcement was made just a few days before the team's final home game of the season against Borussia Dortmund. The news follows months of speculation about Alonso's future, particularly his rumored return to Real Madrid, which has now become a reality.
Background: During Alonso's tenure, Leverkusen experienced a fairytale journey from a relegation spot to clinching their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023/24, accomplishing an unprecedented undefeated season. They also made waves in the DFB-Pokal, scoring an astounding 17 goals after the 90th minute, securing many late equalizers and victories along the way. Although a single defeat in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo was a slight disappointment, the team's performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Real Madrid Bound: Alonso's contract with Leverkusen, initially set to expire in 2026, has been terminated early to facilitate his move to Real Madrid. With a mutual agreement in place, he can leave the club at no cost to Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season. Alonso has agreed to a three-year contract with the Spanish giants and will likely sign after Carlo Ancelotti departs at the end of the current La Liga campaign on May 25. His trusted assistant manager, Sebas Parrilla, and fitness coach, Alberto Encinas, are also set to join him in Madrid.
Impact on Leverkusen: The German club is now on the hunt for a new coach, with reported top candidates like former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, ex-Barcelona midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas, and Real Madrid youth coach Alvaro Arbeloa under consideration. As Leverkusen bids farewell to their beloved manager, they reflect on his incredible legacy and the landmark achievements he brought to the club.
However, his departure leaves the team facing uncertainty about maintaining their upward trajectory as they transition to new leadership. The squad and staff have expressed pride in their accomplishments, but it remains to be seen how the next manager will continue Leverkusen's success.
With Alonso now on the Real Madrid bench, there's speculation about potential squad changes and tactical considerations. Alonso may look to replicate his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation at Madrid, which could prompt new signings to fit the mold. Top transfer targets like Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and others are yet to be officially announced.
Source: ntv.de
- Xabi Alonso
- Transfers and Rumors
- Football
- Football Bundesliga
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Unfortunately, Bayer 04 Leverkusen's community policy may need to adjust following the departure of Xabi Alonso in 2025, as the former coach agreed to a three-year contract with Real Madrid.
- Rolfes, a Leverkusen staff member, might ponder the implications of Alonso's move to Real Madrid, considering the potential impact on the club's sports performance, especially in football.
- Although the 2026 season is still far, vocational training programs could see Alonso returning to coach football, given his expected role at Real Madrid after Carlo Ancelotti's departure.
- As the football world awaits Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid, vocational training institutions may take note of his successful track record and consider implementing strategies similar to his management style to foster success in their programs.
