Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday what had already been leaked in advance: he will remain coach of Bayer Leverkusen. At the press conference, he explained what led to his decision
FC Bayern Munich were very interested, Liverpool FC were also interested in the ex-professional – but Xabi Alonso will stay at Bayer Leverkusen. “It was a process that has developed over the past weeks and months. This is my first full season at a club as a coach. I still have to feel my way in, prove things to myself and gain experience,” explained the 42-year-old. And he can do that best in Leverkusen: “The situation at this club is very stable and I’m happy.”
He had set himself a deadline for the past week, used the international break to reflect, “put the puzzle together” and then make a decision, also out of respect for Bayer Leverkusen. “I’ve always tried to make the right decision in my career. At this moment, I have the feeling that this is the right place for me,” said Xabi Alonso, who at least did not want to talk publicly about how specific other offers had been made to him. He is still under contract until 2026.
“The management has always supported me and still does. Everyone is helping me tremendously here,” emphasized the ex-professional, also referring to difficult moments during his tenure, such as at the end of last season when Leverkusen narrowly missed out on the Europa League final. “We wanted to play a great season and were sure that we had the potential to do so.” That’s how it turned out – and not least his team also provided many good reasons for him to stay.
It was important to him to put an end to the speculation surrounding his future and to be able to focus fully on the season finale: “My job here is definitely not over. We still have a lot to do.” Three titles are still possible for the Werkself. Bayer are ten points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, the semi-final against second-division side Fortuna Düsseldorf is scheduled for Wednesday and Leverkusen are also still in the Europa League (quarter-final against West Ham). “The development is simply great,” said the Bayer coach, emphasizing that it is not yet complete.
From now on, however, he will focus exclusively on the home game against Hoffenheim, in which his team can secure Champions League qualification with a win. “We will now go full throttle,” said Xabi Alsonso. “
