Xabi Alonso Steps into the Madrid heat, Bound for Royal Whites
Time to Say Goodbye to Bayer Leverkusen
- 3 Min
Real Madrid-bound: Xabi Alonso departs from Leverkusen, could join as a coach. - RealMadrid may soon welcome Xabi Alonso as their new coach, following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.
Famed tactician Xabi Alonso is bidding farewell to Bayer Leverkusen and is on the precipice of a return to the Royal Whites as their new Head Coach. Alonso, age 43, revealed his departure from last season's double champions at a press conference in Leverkusen, stating, "This week, the club and I agreed these will be my last two games as Leverkusen coach. It's the right time to announce it. Now we have clarity. We want to have a worthy farewell for some players, for myself."
Journey to the Atlantic Capital
The next season, after more than two and a half years, the most successful era in the club's history will conclude, marking the club's first German football championship in 2024. The Spanish newspaper "Marca" has reported that Alonso will pen a three-year contract with Real Madrid, though he refrains from discussing his post-Leverkusen plans. "It's not the right moment yet," Alonso said.
Golden Days at Madrid revisited
Alonso's journey back to the Santiago Bernabeu serves as a return to his golden era, where he experienced his greatest success as a player, securing the Champions League, the championship, and the cup in Spain's capital. After his playing career drew to a close, Alonso started his coaching career at Real in the youth sector.
Frequently speculated, Old Flames re-kindled
According to the unconfirmed "Marca" report, Alonso might be accompanied by Sebas Parrilla and Alberto Encinas, his trusted assistants, to Madrid. The move back to Madrid, though unconfirmed, would not be surprising as rumors of this potential transition had been circulating for weeks.
Bridging the Gap: Alonso Taking Over from Ancelotti?
Master coach Alonso, with a contract with Bayer until 2026, has, in recent times, deftly avoided questions about his future. Alonso finally confirmed his decision regarding his future, indicating that the game against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday (3:30 PM/DAZN) will be his last home match in Leverkusen.
Reports state that after failing to advance past Arsenal in the Champions League, Real Madrid and Ancelotti have mutually agreed to part ways. This development paves the way for Alonso to fill Ancelotti's shoes, although the club has yet to announce an official successor. It remains uncertain who will lead Real during the Club World Cup, with Santiago Solari as a potential interim candidate. Alonso is anticipated to take over during the new season.
Leverkusen Legacy
The Leverkusen brass had always emphasized that they would not put barriers in Alonso's path if he received an offer to join a club for which he had played as a professional. The speculation that Alonso might migrate to the Spanish capital had always been a likely possibility. From 2009 to 2014, Alonso represented the Rhinelanders as a player before moving to FC Bayern Munich.
A Favorite Son in Leverkusen
For Alonso, Bayer 04 served as his first professional coaching station. Already in his second campaign with the Rhinelanders, the Spaniard brought the club the double of the German Championship and DFB-Pokal.
The 2023/24 season saw Werkself remaining undefeated throughout the Bundesliga, a historic feat. They also reached the Europa League final but were defeated by Atalanta Bergamo. Alonso left a lasting impression on Leverkusen, earning adoration from fans with street signs and large posters in his honor.
This year, Alonso was unable to recreate the achievements of the previous season with Bayer 04. Bayern Munich secured the title early on, and in the Champions League, Leverkusen succumbed to the Munich giants in the round of 16. In the DFB-Pokal, the club suffered a humiliating defeat against third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals.
- "I'm not going to be able to do this," Xabi Alonso admitted, alluding to his inability to replicate the achievements of the previous season with Bayer 04.
- Alonso's likely departure from Bayer Leverkusen has a whiff of humiliation, as the club was knocked out of the DFB-Pokal semi-finals by third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.
- Given his return to the Santiago Bernabeu as the new Head Coach of the Royal Whites, Xabi Alonso might find it challenging to revisit his years with Bayer 04, where he gained adoration from the fans.
- Alonso, the adept coach, is anticipated to take over from Ancelotti in Real Madrid's European-leagues campaign, with the club yet to announce an official successor.
- Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League possibly signaled the exit of Ancelotti and opened the door for Alonso to step in as the new coach, a move Alonso has likely agreed to.
