Bayer Leverkusen head coach, Xabi Alonso, has officially announced that he will leave the club at the end of the current season, setting the stage for what many expect to be a sensational return to Real Madrid as their new manager.
Speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s final home fixture of the season against Borussia Dortmund, Alonso confirmed the long-rumored news in a press conference that will now mark the beginning of his farewell from the Bundesliga side.
“This week, the club and I have agreed that these are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach,” said Alonso, whose team relinquished their Bundesliga crown to Bayern Munich last weekend.
“This is a moment with mixed emotions. This is not a moment to talk about the future.
“We want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, myself. It was the right moment to announce it.”
Since taking charge in 2022, Alonso has rapidly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising managers. Under his guidance, Leverkusen clinched a historic Bundesliga title and a domestic cup last season, their first-ever league championship.
Though they narrowly missed out on an unbeaten treble following a Europa League final defeat to Atalanta, Alonso’s achievements earned him widespread acclaim.
His success saw him heavily linked with a return to Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but Dutchman Arne Slot was ultimately chosen for the Anfield role.
Now, attention shifts to Real Madrid, where Alonso enjoyed a glittering playing career and is now expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso remained tight-lipped about his next steps, emphasizing the importance of finishing the season before addressing his future.
“When the season is wrapped, then it will be the moment for the next thing. Not the moment for that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s tenure at Madrid appears to be drawing to a close despite leading the club to a Champions League and LaLiga double last year. With Real Madrid still in the title hunt this season, trailing Barcelona by four points with four games remaining, the timing of his potential exit remains uncertain.
Reports suggest talks between Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation regarding the national team role have resumed, after briefly stalling.
Though his contract with Madrid runs until 2026, club president Florentino Perez is reportedly in no hurry to release him.
Sky Sports News sources indicate that a final decision regarding Ancelotti’s future could be announced early next week. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues has also hinted that the identity of Brazil’s new coach will be revealed “soon.”
Alonso’s departure from Leverkusen marks the end of a short but historic chapter and perhaps the beginning of a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
