"This is the right moment to announce it," Alonso stated, emphasizing the need for clarity for all parties involved. He informed his Leverkusen players of his decision before Friday's training session, bringing an end to weeks of intense speculation surrounding his future. Alonso's contract with the German club was originally set to expire in 2026.
The former Real Madrid midfielder took over a struggling Leverkusen side languishing in the Bundesliga relegation zone in October 2022. In a remarkable turnaround, he guided them to an unprecedented league and cup double last season, etching his name into the club's history. "I think that we can be happy, we can be proud of what we have achieved during this time," Alonso reflected on his impactful tenure. Notably, his Leverkusen team holds the distinction of being the only side to complete a Bundesliga season without a single defeat.
While replicating that historic form proved a significant challenge this season, Leverkusen ultimately conceded the league title to Bayern Munich last weekend with two games remaining. "I have tried to squeeze them as much as possible. They have given me so much, so maybe we are empty right now," Alonso commented on his players' efforts.
The Leverkusen job marked Alonso's first foray into senior management, following a distinguished playing career that saw him represent Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. Prior to his move to Germany, he gained coaching experience within Real Sociedad's reserve team for three years and also spent time in Real Madrid's youth setup. "I have learned so many things and I have improved as a coach, as someone that needs to have more resources for myself, for the future," Alonso acknowledged, adding, "It has worked pretty well, I would say."
Alonso fondly recalled his initial meeting with Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro and sporting director Simon Rolfes in San Sebastian, Spain, where they successfully convinced him to take the reins of their struggling team. "We had some ideas, some expectations. So once you fulfill them, you can say that the job was done," he stated.
When pressed about his next destination, Alonso remained tight-lipped. "Now is not the day to talk about the future," he insisted, despite being widely tipped as the leading candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, who is currently under contract with the Spanish giants until the end of next season, has faced considerable speculation regarding his future, particularly after a campaign where Madrid have underperformed despite the high-profile addition of Kylian Mbappé to their squad. Ancelotti faces a critical El Clásico clash against Barcelona on Sunday, with his team trailing their rivals by four points and needing a victory to keep their La Liga title defense alive.
Meanwhile, Brazil has been actively pursuing Ancelotti for their national team managerial role for over a year, but discussions have seemingly stalled. The Italian coach has consistently deflected questions about his future, stating that he will announce his plans once the current season concludes.
Alonso's final two Bundesliga matches with Leverkusen include Sunday's home game against Borussia Dortmund, followed by an away fixture against Mainz on the final day of the season. He is certain to receive a heartfelt farewell from the Leverkusen faithful, who affectionately remember the club's long-standing "Neverkusen" moniker, earned through multiple Bundesliga runner-up finishes and agonizing defeats in finals. Alonso expressed his confidence that those days are firmly in the past.
"In the club, they are very intelligent and very well-prepared people that will take the club in the right direction, the same way that they have done till now. I will always be there to help in the best possible way I can, because this doesn’t vanish," Alonso affirmed, emphasizing his enduring connection with the club. "I want to still have this bond with Bayer 04, because that stays forever."
Rolfes, in an official Leverkusen statement, hailed Alonso's tenure as a "milestone in the development" of the club. "Together with Xabi we put together a team that has impressed the whole football world with its sporting quality and mentality," Rolfes added.
The club has stated that they will announce Alonso's successor "in due course." Among the reported candidates are Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Italian side Como, and Erik ten Hag, former manager of Manchester United.
Alonso also dismissed a report from the Bild tabloid suggesting that Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz had informed him of his preference to join Bayern Munich over Real Madrid or Manchester City. All three clubs have been heavily linked with the talented midfielder, who has publicly stated his openness to a new challenge.
Adding to the changes at Leverkusen, defender Jonathan Tah is also set to depart the club as his contract expires at the end of the season.
When jokingly asked if he had promised Carro and Rolfes not to poach any Leverkusen players for his next club, Alonso simply laughed and replied, "No promise."