May 9 – Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season, following a spell at the club that saw him guide them to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double.
Speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s final home match of the season against Borussia Dortmund, the 43-year-old Spaniard announced: “This week, the club and I have agreed these will be my last two games as Leverkusen coach,” Alonso said.
“This is the right moment to announce it because we have always had this good communication with the club. We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions, it is emotional! I spoke to the players and the staff – it was not easy.”
Alonso added: “We’ve had a great connection and that’s been the key. They believed in me and they’ve followed me. I want to have a proper goodbye this weekend. It has been a long, meaningful and successful time here at this club. I want to give the respect (they have shown me) back, until the very last day.”
The Spaniard, who took over at Leverkusen in October 2022 with the club second-from-bottom in the Bundesliga, has transformed the team into one of Europe’s most exciting sides. Under his leadership, they completed an unbeaten league season in 2024/25, won the DFB-Pokal, and reached the Europa League final.
His final game in charge will be away at Mainz on May 17.
Alonso’s departure comes amid growing speculation that he will replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. The former Spain midfielder, who played at the Santiago Bernabéu from 2009 to 2014, has long been seen as a future Madrid manager. Reports suggest talks between Alonso’s representatives and the club have taken place during the current campaign.
Ancelotti is expected to take over the Brazil national team, with an agreement in place for him to lead the Seleção through to the 2026 World Cup. An announcement is anticipated after the La Liga season ends.
Real Madrid will likely confirm their coaching plans before the expanded FIFA Club World Cup begins in June.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746830398labto1746830398ofdlr1746830398owedi1746830398sni@g1746830398niwe.1746830398yrrah1746830398