Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be departing Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. He is planning a switch to Real Madrid.
Alonso has long been linked to a return to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season. Pressure is mounting on Ancelotti after a disappointing campaign with Los Blancos.
The Spanish manager led Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double last season. They lost just one game across all fronts. The defeat was in the Europa League final in their final match of the campaign.
Alonso has made an announcement. He will be leaving the club ahead of Sunday’s last home game of the season. Numerous reports indicate he departs for Real Madrid.
‘This week, the club and I have agreed. These will be my last two games as Leverkusen coach,’ Alonso announced on Friday.
‘This is the right moment to announce it because we have always had 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.
‘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.’
As Leverkusen’s manager, Alonso has taken charge of 138 games. He won 88 of them. This accomplishment reflects an impressive 64 per cent win rate.
The Spaniard was voted the Bundesliga’s coach of the season last year. He was also crowned ‘Best Coach of the Year’ by Globe Soccer in 2024.
