In a dramatic Friday press conference that sent shockwaves through European football, Xabi Alonso confirmed what many had speculated – he’s walking away from his managerial masterpiece at Bayer Leverkusen.
“We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as a Bayer Leverkusen coach,” announced the Spanish tactician, bringing an end to the chase for confirmation that has dominated headlines for weeks.
FROM UNBEATEN CHAMPIONS TO FAREWELL TOUR
The 43-year-old mastermind behind Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga triumph and German Cup double last season will leave with his reputation soaring. His phenomenal success has transformed him from promising coach to Europe’s most coveted managerial talent in just 19 months at the BayArena.
Sunday’s home clash against Borussia Dortmund now takes on new significance as fans prepare for an emotional farewell to the man who delivered their first-ever Bundesliga title in spectacular, invincible fashion.
BERNABÉU BECKONS FOR RETURNING HERO?
While Alonso remained tight-lipped about his next destination—”It’s not the moment to talk about the future”—all signs point to a romantic return to Real Madrid, where he starred as a player and lifted both La Liga and Champions League trophies.
With Carlo Ancelotti reportedly poised for a stunning switch to become Brazil’s first modern foreign manager, Spanish media suggest Alonso has already reached a pre-contract agreement with Los Blancos. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Real’s president Florentino Pérez, who appears to have secured football’s most in-demand coach.
POOL SNUB FOR MADRID REUNION
Liverpool supporters will feel the sting of rejection once more, having watched their former midfield general decline the opportunity to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield last year. Despite being bookies’ favourite for the Liverpool hot seat, Alonso chose to remain loyal to Leverkusen—only to now cut short a contract that was supposed to run until 2026.
Leverkusen officials have graciously agreed to release their prize asset, understanding the gravitational pull of one of world football’s most prestigious jobs. This season has seen them secure a respectable second place, though they sit eight points behind newly-crowned champions Bayern Munich.
LEGACY SECURED IN GERMAN FOOTBALL
“We can be happy and proud of what we have achieved during this time. I’m very thankful from the first day to the last one,” reflected Alonso, whose tenure was nearly perfect, with only an agonising Europa League final defeat to Atalanta denying Leverkusen an unprecedented treble.
As the clock ticks down on his Leverkusen chapter, the football world watches with bated breath to see if the tactical genius who conquered Germany is indeed headed back to Madrid to write the next chapter in what is fast becoming one of football’s most impressive coaching careers.
