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| Xabi Alonso Real Madrid coach |
Xabi Alonso has officially announced his decision to step down as Bayer Leverkusen manager at the end of the current season, fueling ongoing speculation about a potential return to Real Madrid—this time as head coach.
The Spanish tactician took charge of Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 and made an immediate impact. Under Alonso's leadership, Leverkusen achieved a historic feat last season by clinching their first-ever unbeaten Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich’s 12-year dominance. Despite their incredible domestic campaign, the team fell short of a treble after a defeat to Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final.
Xabi Alonso to Leave Leverkusen at Season's End
In a recent statement, Alonso confirmed:
“The club and I agreed this week that the next two Bundesliga games will be my last as coach of Leverkusen.”
Reports from Sky Sports via GOAL suggest that Alonso is poised to take over at Real Madrid, with current manager Carlo Ancelotti expected to depart. Madrid's trophy-less campaign has increased the likelihood of a managerial change, making Alonso’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu even more probable.
Alonso will now lead Leverkusen in their final two Bundesliga matches—starting with a home clash against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, April 11, followed by a season finale at Mainz. Despite missing out on silverware this year, Leverkusen have already secured second place and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Mixed Fortunes in Alonso’s Final Season
While the 2023-24 season hasn’t matched the heights of the previous campaign, Alonso still managed to lift the DFL-Supercup. However, Leverkusen's title defense in the DFB-Pokal ended in the semi-finals, and they were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. This season, Leverkusen suffered only seven defeats across 48 games in all competitions.
Xabi Alonso’s Legacy at Real Madrid as a Player
Xabi Alonso is no stranger to success at Real Madrid. The former midfield maestro played for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, making 236 appearances and registering six goals and 31 assists. He played a crucial role in helping the club win La Decima—their 10th UEFA Champions League title—in his final season.
Alonso’s illustrious career also includes a La Liga title (2012) and three additional domestic trophies with Madrid. After his time in Spain, he joined Bayern Munich in 2014, winning three consecutive Bundesliga titles before retiring.
Now, over a decade after leaving Real Madrid as a player, Alonso is widely tipped to return—this time with the aim of leading the club from the touchline.
