By Martin Graham
Xabi Alonso has announced that he will step down as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen after the conclusion of the current campaign. The 43-year-old confirmed his departure during a press conference on Friday, revealing that the final two matches of the season will mark the end of his time with the German club.
Alonso stated that the decision had been reached earlier in the week and emphasized his desire to enjoy the final moments with the team and supporters. “Now is the right time to share this news,” he explained. “We want to say goodbye properly, not just for me but for the players and staff who have been part of this journey.”
The former midfielder described his tenure in Leverkusen as an emotional and unforgettable experience. He expressed gratitude to the club and its community, highlighting how his three years in charge have shaped him as a coach.
Leverkusen will face Borussia Dortmund at home on Sunday, followed by their season finale against Mainz on 17 May.
Alonso began his coaching career in 2018 with Real Madrid’s Under-14 squad. He later managed the reserve team at Real Sociedad, earning praise for his work over three years. In October 2022, he stepped into his first senior coaching role with Bayer Leverkusen.
Taking over when the team was second from bottom in the Bundesliga, Alonso quickly turned their fortunes around, guiding them to sixth place by the end of the 2022–23 season. In his first full season, Leverkusen went on to make history, securing their first-ever league title without a single defeat.
Under Alonso, the team also clinched the German Cup, achieving a domestic double. A loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final was their only defeat across 53 matches in all competitions that season.
Although they suffered only two league losses this campaign, Leverkusen’s draw at Freiburg last weekend ended their hopes of retaining the Bundesliga crown.
Reports suggest Alonso is poised to return to Real Madrid to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. Guillem Balague indicated that the move is expected, though no official timeline has been disclosed.
Ancelotti, currently in his second tenure at Madrid, is believed to be in talks with Brazil over a potential move to manage the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite his decorated history with the Spanish giants, including three Champions League wins, this season saw his side exit the competition in the round of 16 and trail rivals Barcelona in La Liga.
Alonso previously played for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, following spells with Liverpool and Real Sociedad. He concluded his playing career with Bayern Munich in 2017. Last year, he was linked with several high-profile roles at Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern but had initially committed to staying in Leverkusen as of March 2024.
Despite those comments and reassurances from Leverkusen’s chief executive, Fernando Carro, in April that Alonso was planning for the next season, the coach’s decision to leave has now been confirmed.
