After a record-breaking run with Bayer Leverkusen, head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will part ways with the club at the end of the current season.
The announcement comes amid intense speculation that the 43-year-old is poised to take over at Real Madrid, with reports suggesting he has already agreed to succeed Carlo Ancelotti following the Club World Cup, in a deal that could involve a compensation payment of around €12 million.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Alonso described the decision as “the right moment” to move on, but refrained from confirming his next destination. “It’s not the right moment to talk too much about the future,” he added, emphasizing instead the pride he feels in what his team has achieved.
Since taking charge in October 2022, Alonso has led Leverkusen through a remarkable transformation. Inheriting a team teetering near relegation, he revitalized the squad and led them to a fifth-place finish that same season, including a run to the Europa League semi-finals.
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But it was the 2023–24 campaign that sealed his legacy. Under Alonso, Leverkusen completed an unbeaten league and cup double, securing the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title and becoming the first German team in history to go unbeaten across both competitions in a single season.
Despite their 2-2 draw at Freiburg, which ended their title defense, Leverkusen is set to finish second in the league—a testament to their consistency and Alonso’s leadership.
Sunday’s home fixture against Borussia Dortmund will mark Alonso’s final match at the BayArena, with his farewell game coming away at Mainz.
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In an emotional address, Alonso thanked his players, fans, and the Leverkusen hierarchy—including sporting director Simon Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro—for trusting him at a pivotal point in his coaching career.
“I spoke this morning to the players and the staff who have been with me during these unbelievable, fantastic three years,” he said. “Let’s enjoy this moment. We can be happy and proud of what we have achieved.”
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Prior to Alonso’s arrival, Bayer Leverkusen carried the unwanted nickname “Neverkusen”, a nod to their history of near-misses—five Bundesliga runner-up finishes, three German Cup final losses, and heartbreak in the 2002 Champions League final.
But with key signings like Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, and Álex Grimaldo, Alonso reshaped the squad into a resilient and attacking powerhouse, breaking long-standing curses and delivering a historic dream season.
Despite their success, Alonso described 2024 as “the most challenging” season of his coaching career. Leverkusen were eliminated in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld and fell to Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16, yet remained title contenders until the final weekend.
“I’ve learned so many things and I have improved as a coach,” Alonso reflected. Though Alonso has not officially revealed his next move, the consensus in both Spanish and German media is that a return to Real Madrid is imminent. Having played for the club from 2009 to 2014, Alonso is widely respected and seen as a natural successor to Ancelotti.
As he prepares to say goodbye, Xabi Alonso leaves behind not only a transformed team but also a lasting legacy—one that has reshaped the history of Bayer Leverkusen and reignited the club’s ambition.
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