Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season following three successful years with the German club, with sources telling ESPN he is \"close\" to becoming Real Madrid\'s next coach.
The Spanish manager announced his departure during a Friday news conference, stating that his final matches will be Leverkusen\'s remaining two Bundesliga games. Alonso has guided Leverkusen to a historic undefeated league campaign and domestic double in 2023-24.
While Alonso refused to discuss his future plans, saying it was \"not the moment,\" a Real Madrid source indicated to ESPN that he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is likely to depart after Madrid\'s final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad.
Accomplished Tenure
Alonso joined Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were relegation candidates and transformed them into one of the Bundesliga\'s elite teams. His team completed an unbeaten domestic double this season, cementing his reputation as one of Europe\'s brightest coaching talents.
\"It\'s emotional, I talked to the players this morning. It\'s been an unbelievable, fantastic three years, and now it\'s a moment to share with the fans on Sunday... I think we can be proud of what we have achieved. We\'ve been taking the club in the right direction,\" Alonso said.
The former Real Madrid midfielder began his coaching career with the Spanish club\'s academy before taking charge of Real Sociedad\'s reserve team and then moving to Leverkusen for his first top-flight managerial position.
Timing and Transition
If Alonso joins Real Madrid as expected, it remains unclear whether he would immediately take charge for the Club World Cup in the United States this summer or if Madrid will appoint an interim coach for the tournament.
\"After Mainz, once the season is wrapped, it will be the moment for the next thing,\" Alonso stated, avoiding direct comments about his future destination.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Alonso\'s impact at Leverkusen as \"unbelievable,\" noting the difficulty of competing with Bayern Munich in Germany and highlighting the impressive style of play his team has demonstrated.
Xabi Alonso Confirms Leverkusen Exit Amid Real Madrid Speculation
Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season following three successful years with the German club, with sources telling ESPN he is \"close\" to becoming Real Madrid\'s next coach.
The Spanish manager announced his departure during a Friday news conference, stating that his final matches will be Leverkusen\'s remaining two Bundesliga games. Alonso has guided Leverkusen to a historic undefeated league campaign and domestic double in 2023-24.
While Alonso refused to discuss his future plans, saying it was \"not the moment,\" a Real Madrid source indicated to ESPN that he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is likely to depart after Madrid\'s final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad.
Accomplished Tenure
Alonso joined Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were relegation candidates and transformed them into one of the Bundesliga\'s elite teams. His team completed an unbeaten domestic double this season, cementing his reputation as one of Europe\'s brightest coaching talents.
\"It\'s emotional, I talked to the players this morning. It\'s been an unbelievable, fantastic three years, and now it\'s a moment to share with the fans on Sunday... I think we can be proud of what we have achieved. We\'ve been taking the club in the right direction,\" Alonso said.
The former Real Madrid midfielder began his coaching career with the Spanish club\'s academy before taking charge of Real Sociedad\'s reserve team and then moving to Leverkusen for his first top-flight managerial position.
Timing and Transition
If Alonso joins Real Madrid as expected, it remains unclear whether he would immediately take charge for the Club World Cup in the United States this summer or if Madrid will appoint an interim coach for the tournament.
\"After Mainz, once the season is wrapped, it will be the moment for the next thing,\" Alonso stated, avoiding direct comments about his future destination.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Alonso\'s impact at Leverkusen as \"unbelievable,\" noting the difficulty of competing with Bayern Munich in Germany and highlighting the impressive style of play his team has demonstrated.
Tactical Philosophy
Alonso\'s managerial approach blends lessons learned from elite coaches who guided him during his playing career, including Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, and Guardiola. His teams are characterized by a distinctive fast-paced style both with and without possession.
Defensively, Alonso emphasizes solidity with wide players and midfielders supporting the back line in a coordinated pressing system. When possession is regained, his teams are drilled to counter-attack with aggressive forward movement.
Observers note that Alonso combines Guardiola\'s possession principles with Mourinho\'s defensive compactness and counter-attacking speed. His pragmatic approach and willingness to adapt tactically demonstrate he isn\'t bound to a single playing philosophy.