Alonso’s Commitment to Leverkusen: My Work Continues
Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder turned Bayer Leverkusen manager, has announced that he will stay with the German club for another season. The 42-year-old believes that Leverkusen is the “right place” for him as a young coach and is convinced that his decision to stay is the right one. Leverkusen is currently on the verge of securing their first Bundesliga title and has remained unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Speculation had been rife that Alonso would return to his former club Bayern Munich, who are also in search of a new manager following the departure of Thomas Tuchel at the end of the campaign. However, Alonso made it clear that he informed Leverkusen’s directors of his decision to stay last week. He stated, “It’s been a season we have had a lot of speculation regarding my future. Until now we have had so many games, been pretty busy and focused, and I wanted to reflect during the international break and take a decision.”
Alonso praised his players for their commitment and desire, stating that they gave him many reasons to believe in the team and their potential for a great season. He emphasized that his job at Leverkusen is not yet complete. The Spanish coach has had an illustrious playing career, with successful stints at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. However, he believes that Leverkusen is where he wants to continue growing as a coach.
Alonso began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s Under-14 side in 2018 before spending three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team. In October 2022, Leverkusen appointed him as their first-team manager when the club was struggling in the Bundesliga. Despite starting off near the bottom of the table, Alonso led the team to a sixth-placed finish in his first season in charge. This season, Leverkusen has been exceptional, currently sitting 10 points clear of reigning champions Bayern Munich with eight games remaining.
Not only are they dominating domestically, but Leverkusen has also reached the semi-finals of the German Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Alonso’s impact on the team has been undeniable, and his decision to stay with the club will undoubtedly boost the morale of both the players and the fans.
While there were rumors linking Alonso to both Liverpool and Bayern Munich, he respectfully declined to comment on those clubs, citing his strong connection to them. He stated, “It wouldn’t be correct of me to talk about other clubs when they are in this situation. For sure there are clubs I have a strong link, I played there. So I respect them.” However, Alonso firmly believes that he is in the right place at Leverkusen and wants to continue growing alongside the club and its players.
As for Liverpool, they are now expected to consider other candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp. Ruben Amorim, manager of Sporting Lisbon, and Roberto de Zerbi from Brighton are among the top names being considered for the position. The search for a new manager will undoubtedly be an important decision for Liverpool as they aim to maintain their success in the coming seasons.
Alonso’s commitment to Leverkusen highlights his dedication to his coaching career and his belief in the club’s potential for future success. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Leverkusen to see if they can secure their first Bundesliga title under Alonso’s leadership. With his experience as a player and his passion for coaching, Alonso is poised to make a significant impact on Leverkusen’s journey. The fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for their beloved club under the guidance of this esteemed former player.