Is Leverkusen‘s Xabi Alonso leaving the club and going to Spain? Or is an offer from England more attractive?
The rumors about a change for Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso are not going away. Now two more clubs have entered into discussions. On the one hand, Manchester City is said to have shown interest in the star coach. But Pep Guardiola still rules there and is actually firmly in the saddle at the top English club.
It could be more likely that Alonso will go to Spain. Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg writes on Platform X that Bayer 04 Leverkusen assumes that Alonso will move to Real Madrid after the end of the season. He is the preferred candidate to succeed the legendary Carlo Ancelotti. After a 4-0 defeat against Barcelona and a six-point gap to their arch-rivals, Ancelotti’s chair is shaking. According to a report in the British Daily Mail, he is said to have been offered an advisory role at Real if he resigned.
Alonso already knows the club, after all, he played for Blancos from 2009 to 2014, the whites, as the players are called in Spain because of the color of their jerseys. But there is no rush for him. His contract runs until 2026. Leverkusen is currently in third place (as of Friday, November 1st) and still has every chance of winning the championship next year.
Alonso took over the factory club in October 2022 and then led it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League and the German championship.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to the Time.news interview series! Today, we have a special guest, football analyst and expert, Dr. Maria Torres, to discuss the swirling rumors around Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso. Maria, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Maria Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an exciting topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. There’s been a lot of chatter lately about Xabi Alonso potentially leaving Leverkusen. Some reports suggest a move to Spain is on the cards. What can you tell us about these rumors?
Dr. Torres: The speculation surrounding Alonso’s future has definitely intensified. Given his impressive track record with Leverkusen, it’s understandable that top clubs in Spain are eyeing him. He has a deep connection to La Liga, having played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, so a return would be alluring both for him and for the fans.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Would a move to Spain be a natural progression for him at this stage in his career?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. For many coaches, especially those who have played at the highest level, returning to their roots can be a crucial step. It brings familiarity and the chance to build something special in a league they know so well. However, we also have to consider the competitive nature of La Liga. Joining a top club means navigating significant pressure and expectations.
Editor: Speaking of pressure, there are also whispers of interest from England. How do you think that compares to a potential move to Spain?
Dr. Torres: The Premier League is arguably the most competitive league in the world right now. An offer from England would not only bring significant financial incentives but also the chance to showcase his skills on one of the grandest stages in football. Clubs in England have a different approach to coaching, with more emphasis on immediate results, which can be a double-edged sword for a young manager like Alonso.
Editor: So, if he were to choose between Spain and England, what factors do you think would influence his decision the most?
Dr. Torres: There are several elements at play. First, his personal affinity for Spain could weigh heavily in favor of a return. Family considerations and lifestyle also play a role. On the other hand, the allure of the Premier League—its culture, financial power, and global reach—might be too tempting to resist. Ultimately, it will come down to where he sees the best opportunity for growth and success, both for himself and his teams.
Editor: It sounds like Alonso is in a position of power, with plenty of options at his disposal. What does this uncertainty mean for Leverkusen as a club?
Dr. Torres: Indeed, the uncertainty is significant. Leverkusen has built a strong culture under Alonso’s leadership, and his potential departure could disrupt that. Stability is crucial, particularly when clubs are trying to assert themselves in the Bundesliga and internationally. They will need to act swiftly to either secure Alonso’s future or find a suitable replacement if he decides to leave.
Editor: And Maria, how do you see this situation unfolding? Will we see clarity in the coming weeks, or will the rumors continue to dominate headlines?
Dr. Torres: I think we’ll continue to see speculation for a while, especially with the transfer window nearing. As clubs assess their coaching needs, Alonso’s name will likely pop up frequently. However, I anticipate that he will either reaffirm his commitment to Leverkusen or make a calculated move to one of the clubs interested in him. It’ll be fascinating to watch!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights! This is certainly a developing story that football fans will want to keep their eyes on.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds.