Alonso’s Future at Leverkusen: A Season of Reflection and Anticipation
LEVERKUSEN, Germany — The football world is buzzing with speculation about Xabi Alonso’s future, but the man himself seems to be taking it all in stride. Unlike last year, when the international break in March was a time of intense decision-making for the Bayer Leverkusen coach, this year is markedly different. Alonso, who was once courted by Bayern Munich and Liverpool, finds himself without any immediate offers from rival clubs.
Last season, Alonso was at a crossroads, with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool expressing interest in him as they searched for new coaches. However, the Spanish coach chose to stay with Leverkusen, a decision that paid off handsomely. Under his leadership, the team clinched its first Bundesliga title and went on to secure the German Cup, achieving a remarkable domestic double.
Reflecting on the current situation, Alonso stated, “The situation is a different one. At the time, there was something to decide. This time there isn’t. That’s the big difference.” His contract with Leverkusen runs until 2026, and the team was in the Bundesliga’s relegation zone when he took over in October 2022.
Last season was a dream run for Leverkusen, with their only loss coming in the Europa League final against Atalanta. This defeat ended their record 51-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, setting a high bar for the current season.
Current Season Challenges
As the current season unfolds, Leverkusen finds itself six points behind Bayern with eight rounds of the Bundesliga remaining. The team still has a chance to defend its German Cup title, with a semifinal clash against Arminia Bielefeld scheduled for Tuesday.
Despite the challenges, Alonso remains one of the most highly regarded coaches in Europe. He is often mentioned as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, another club where Alonso left his mark as a player.
Alonso’s Focus on the Present
When asked about his future, Alonso remains tight-lipped, focusing instead on the present. “My thoughts are the same, like I said before, I’m staying focused on this season. That’s the most important thing,” he said. “We’re at an important stage and we don’t want to speculate. We don’t want to think about other things than football.”
- Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen runs until 2026.
- Leverkusen is six points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga.
- The team has a German Cup semifinal against Arminia Bielefeld.
As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Leverkusen performs under Alonso’s guidance. Will they manage to close the gap with Bayern? Can they defend their German Cup title? And perhaps most intriguingly, what will Alonso decide about his future once the season concludes?
For now, the focus remains on the pitch, where Alonso and his team are determined to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether he stays at Leverkusen or moves on to new challenges, one thing is certain: Xabi Alonso’s journey in football is far from over.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
