Bundesliga
Alonso confirms Leverkusen stay
Xabi Alonso has ended any speculation about his future by confirming that he will be staying with Bayer Leverkusen beyond the 2023/24 season.
Alonso is on the verge of leading Leverkusen to a historic maiden Bundesliga title, with his team 10 points clear of defending champions Bayern Munich with eight games to go. His achievements at the BayArena since his arrival in October 2022 have made him one of the most coveted coaches in Europe.
As such, the Spaniard has been heavily linked with the job at his former clubs Bayern and Liverpool, where Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp respectively will be leaving at the end of this season.
Watch: Xabi Alonso committed to Leverkusen project
The 42-year-old has now ended any debate about his future by confirming his commitment to Die Werkself.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Alonso stated: “We’ve had a lot of speculation regarding my future. We’ve had a lot of games, been pretty busy, pretty focused, and I wanted to use the international break and reflect and take a decision. Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] and informed them of my decision to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
"It’s the right place for me to be, to develop as a coach. The fans showed great support this year. They have all the reasons to believe and dream we can have a great season. The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team. My job is not over here."
Watch: Alonso announces his decision to stay at Leverkusen
Alonso averages 2.2 points per game during his now 75-game tenure as Leverkusen boss, leading them from the relegation zone and into Europe in 2022/23 before creating a team of potential Invincibles. Bayer are yet to lose in a German record 38 competitive fixtures in 2023/24 as they target a possible treble.
>>> Alonso's Leverkusen career in numbers
Watch: Alonso's Leverkusen - The Bundesliga's Invicibles?
Leverkusen can move one step close to Bundesliga glory and dethroning Bayern when they host Hoffenheim on Matchday 27. That is followed on Wednesday with their DFB Cup semi-final tie at home to Fortuna Düsseldorf. Die Werkself then take on West Ham United in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals as they look to reach Dublin for a potential encounter with Klopp’s Liverpool.