Xabi Alonso to Depart Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid
Spanish manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. This announcement precedes his anticipated transition to Real Madrid, as reported by multiple sources.
Achievements at Bayer Leverkusen
Alonso has been at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen since October 2022, marking a transformative period for the club. Under his guidance, the team claimed the 2023-24 Bundesliga title, the first in the club’s history. Additionally, he led Leverkusen to victory in the 2024 DFB Pokal and the 2024 German Supercup, and emerged as a formidable force in the Europa League, where the team’s unbeaten streak ended at 51 games after their final against Atalanta.
Future Plans
In a pre-match press conference leading up to the final game against Borussia Dortmund, Alonso expressed gratitude toward Bayer Leverkusen, stating, “The club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach.” He thanked the players, staff, and fans for their support and emphasized the club’s readiness for a promising future.
Official Statements
Werner Wenning, chair of the shareholders committee at Bayer, lauded Alonso’s contributions to the club, saying, “Together with Xabi Alonso we have written a success story just through winning the league title without defeat in a way not seen in German football.” Meanwhile, CEO Fernando Carro highlighted the recognition Bayer 04 gained internationally during Alonso’s tenure, which included various accolades and impressive performances.
A Look at Xabi Alonso’s Career
Before making his mark as a manager, Alonso had a distinguished playing career, winning the UEFA Champions League twice, along with numerous other domestic and international titles, including the FIFA World Cup in 2010. His managerial journey began in 2018 at Real Madrid, coaching youth teams before taking on senior roles.
Conclusion
As Alonso prepares for his next chapter with Real Madrid, the football community reflects on his impactful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. With both anticipation and excitement, fans look forward to what the future holds for this remarkable manager.