Xabi Alonso has officially announced that he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season, although he has not yet confirmed where he will go next. The 43-year-old described this as the "right moment" to announce his departure but refrained from revealing future plans, stating it was too soon to discuss what comes next.
His exit has intensified speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, with reports suggesting a deal is in place for Alonso to take over after the Club World Cup, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso has enjoyed a remarkable spell with Leverkusen since taking over in October 2022, leading the club to a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023–24 season, including an unbeaten domestic run.
This campaign brought Leverkusen their first-ever German league title, marking a milestone achievement for both Alonso and the club. Despite significant interest from major European clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich earlier in the season, Alonso confirmed in March that he would remain at Leverkusen.
He will take charge of his final home match on Sunday against Borussia Dortmund before concluding his tenure with an away game at Mainz. In his farewell message, Alonso expressed gratitude to his players and coaching staff, reflecting on the emotional journey he’s had with the club.
He described his time in Leverkusen as a transformative experience and emphasized the importance of appreciating the present moment, encouraging fans and players alike to celebrate what they’ve accomplished together.
While Leverkusen’s title defense ended with a draw against Freiburg, confirming Bayern Munich as champions, Alonso’s legacy remains firmly intact. Leverkusen will finish the season in second place, regardless of remaining results. Alonso noted that the club is heading in the right direction and that his decision to leave comes with a sense of fulfillment and pride in what they’ve built together.
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