Xabi Alonso has confirmed his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, after a remarkable three-year spell in charge of the team.
The Spanish coach, who led Leverkusen to a historic undefeated season in the 2023-24 Bundesliga, securing a domestic double, announced his decision at a press conference on Friday.
Sunday’s match against Borussia Dortmund will be their last home game.
This week, the club and I have agreed that these last two matches will be my last as Leverkusen coach,” Alonso said. “Now is the right time to announce it.
Xabi Alonso
Alonso expressed his gratitude to the fans, the club, and, especially, the players.
The former Real Madrid midfielder also mentioned that it is not yet time to talk about his future, but he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabéu.
The image shows Xabi Alonso.
Alonso arrived at Leverkusen in October 2022, when the club was in the relegation zone, and immediately made his mark.
The following season, he achieved a domestic double, and Leverkusen became the first Bundesliga team to remain undefeated throughout an entire campaign.
This year, he has guided the club to second place in the league and to the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Alonso’s successful playing career included spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as the Spanish national team, with whom he won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.
After retiring as a player in 2017, he began his coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy and then managed Real Sociedad’s B team before arriving at Leverkusen.
The players have given me a lot and we have had a great connection,” Alonso added. “They believed in me and followed me, and that’s why we have always had good chemistry. I want to have a good farewell with them.
Xabi Alonso
When asked about his future, Alonso replied: “No. It’s not the time”.
