Xabi Alonso guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title and German Cup double last season Head coach Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, amid reports he will succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Alonso, 43, will replace Ancelotti at Madrid, says BBC Sport columnist and Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, although it is unclear when that announcement will take place. Last year former Liverpool and Spain midfielder Alonso led Leverkusen to the double of a Bundesliga title - without losing a game - and the German Cup in his first full season as a senior club manager. "This week the club and I have agreed that these two games are going to be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach," Alonso said on Friday. "It is not a moment to talk too much about the future because we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, for myself, and it is the right moment to announce it. "We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions. It is emotional, I spoke this morning with the players, the staff, so many people who have helped me during an unbelievable, fantastic three years. "Now is a moment to share it with the fans in this stadium where I have lived great emotions and become what I am right now." Leverkusen,who relinquished their Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich last weekend,host Borussia Dortmund on Sunday before concluding the season at Mainz on 17 May. Former Spain international Alonso played for Real between 2009 and 2014 following a five-year spell at Liverpool, before ending his playing career after three years at Bayern Munich in 2017. Alonso was linked with Real, Liverpool and Bayern last year, but said in March 2024 that he wanted to stay at Leverkusen following talks with the club's hierarchy. Speaking last month, with Leverkusen still battling for the Bundesliga title, Alonso said it was "not a good time" to discuss his future amid ongoing links with Real. Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro insisted in April that Alonso was "comfortable" at the club and already planning for next season. BBC Sport reported last month that Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is set for further talks about taking over as Brazil coach before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June. Ancelotti took charge of Real for a second spell in 2021 and has won the Champions League three times with the club. But the 65-year-old Italian's side failed to reach the Champions League semi-finals for only the third time in 12 seasons this campaign, while they trail Barcelona by four points with four league games remainingbefore Sunday's crucial El Clasico meeting. Alonso took up his first coaching role with Real Madrid's Under-14 side in 2018. After impressing in three years in charge of Real Sociedad's B team, he took up his first managerial role in first-team football at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. He lifted the club from second from bottom to a sixth-placed finish in the 2022-23 Bundesliga, before achieving the club's first German title and becoming the first side to win the competition with an unbeaten record. A Europa League final defeat by Atalanta represented their only defeat in 53 games in all competitions, before they completed a domestic double in the German Cup. Despite losing just twice in the Bundesliga this season, Leverkusen's title defence came to an end on Sunday with their draw at Freiburg. Alonso's side were knocked out of this season's Champions league in the last 16 by Bayer Munich, while they suffered a shock loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-finals.
Alonso to leave Leverkusen amid reports of Real Madrid move
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Xabi Alonso to Depart Bayer Leverkusen, Linked with Real Madrid Coaching Role"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has announced that he will depart the club at the end of the current season, amidst strong speculation that he will succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the head coach of Real Madrid. Alonso, 43, enjoyed a remarkable tenure at Leverkusen, leading the team to a Bundesliga title and a German Cup victory in his first full season in management, achieving an unbeaten record in the league. He expressed his mixed emotions regarding his departure, stating that he and the club agreed that the upcoming matches would be his last in charge. Alonso emphasized the importance of a proper farewell, reflecting on the fantastic three years he spent with the club and the deep connections he forged with players, staff, and fans alike. The club's final two matches include a home game against Borussia Dortmund and an away match against Mainz, where Alonso aims to conclude his journey on a high note.
Alonso's potential move to Real Madrid has been suggested by various sources, including BBC Sport's Guillem Balague, although no official announcement has been made yet. The former midfielder, who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, previously indicated a desire to remain at Leverkusen after discussions with the club's management, but the recent developments suggest a change in direction. Meanwhile, Ancelotti is reportedly considering taking over as Brazil's national team coach, which could pave the way for Alonso to step in at Madrid. Despite Leverkusen's recent struggles, including a title defense that ended in a draw against Freiburg and an early exit from the Champions League, Alonso's success and impressive management style have drawn attention from top clubs. His journey from coaching Real Madrid's Under-14s to achieving historic success at Leverkusen has made him a prominent figure in football management, and his next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Xabi Alonso's announcement to leave Bayer Leverkusen has significant implications for both the football world and the clubs involved. This news not only highlights Alonso's achievements but also reflects the ongoing dynamics within European football, especially with Real Madrid's coaching situation.
Coaching Changes and Rumors
Alonso's success with Leverkusen, including a Bundesliga title and a domestic cup victory, positions him as a coveted manager. The report suggests that he is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, indicating a strategic move by the club to secure a talented coach with a promising future. This could create excitement among Real Madrid fans, eager for a fresh approach after Ancelotti's tenure.
Emotional Departures
Alonso's emotional farewell to Leverkusen signifies the strong connections he has formed during his time there. His sentimentality may resonate with fans, showcasing the human side of the sport. However, this also raises questions about the timing of his departure and whether it aligns with Leverkusen's ambitions to regain their title.
Future Implications for Clubs
The news could have ripple effects across the Bundesliga and La Liga. Leverkusen may now need to find a suitable replacement, potentially disrupting their progress. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's decision to pursue Alonso suggests they are looking for a long-term vision, which could affect their immediate performance as they transition to a new coaching style.
Market Reactions and Economic Impact
Alonso's move could influence stock prices for both clubs, especially if investors perceive positive growth for Real Madrid with a new managerial direction. This news might attract attention from sponsors and stakeholders looking to associate themselves with successful leadership.
Public Sentiment and Community Support
The announcement may appeal to various fan communities, particularly those who support Alonso due to his previous playing career at Real Madrid. His transition back to a club where he enjoyed significant success may spark more interest and engagement from fans who are invested in both the club's heritage and Alonso's journey.
Potential Manipulative Aspects
While the report appears straightforward, the emphasis on Alonso's emotional farewell could be seen as a way to generate sympathy and support for his decision. This narrative may aim to soften any backlash from Leverkusen fans or to create a more favorable perception of Alonso's move to a major club.
Overall Authenticity
The article presents itself as credible, relying on quotes from Alonso and insights from football experts. However, the speculation surrounding the timing of the announcement and the future implications may leave some readers questioning the full context of the situation.
In summary, this news serves multiple purposes, including highlighting Alonso's successful tenure at Leverkusen and paving the way for his anticipated role at Real Madrid. The emotional aspects of the report aim to connect with fans while also addressing the broader implications for both clubs in the competitive landscape of European football.