Xabi Alonso edges towards Real Madrid bench as he confirms Leverkusen exit

Xabi Alonso appeared at a lengthy press conference on Friday afternoon to officially announce his departure from Bayer Leverkusen. It marks the end of a successful spell at the Bundesliga club.

Announcement of his departure: “We can let you know that the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last as manager. It’s the right time to make this news public. We’ve always had good communication with the club. It’s a time of mixed feelings, but it’s the right time to do it. It’s not the time to talk about the future, as we want to have a nice farewell here on Sunday and we have to enjoy these moments. I spoke with the players and the staff, with everyone who was here during these three unforgettable years. Now it’s time to experience it with the fans in that stadium that has made me who I am today. I’m deeply grateful. I think we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Future: “Now is not the time to talk about the future. After the last Mainz game. When we’ve done our work, it will be time to talk about my future.”

End of the season: “Having clarity is good for everyone. There are no more doubts. It’s time to focus on Sunday’s game and saying goodbye to our fans. In football, everything is about moments. Choosing the right moment to change is the hardest part. Last year I felt I had to continue, this year I don’t.”

Farewell to Leverkusen: “It’s a mixed feeling. Today was a day for me and the people at the club; they’ve given me so much. We had a good connection, they believed in me and followed me, which is why we were successful. Now that we have clarity, it’s time to enjoy it until the very last game. Not just me, but other players like Tah. I want to have a proper goodbye with them.”

Announcement Day: “Football and life are about finding the best moment. That was my intention. And that’s how we wanted the goodbye to be, especially considering the long, beautiful, and important time we were here. I want to enjoy it until the last moment.”

Work at Leverkusen and successes: “We’ve been together for three years, so there was a lot of appreciation and respect when I told the club. The bond with the players has been key over the years, and that won’t disappear overnight. We’ve all changed. We’ve evolved. The first season was the hardest; we all had to get used to each other. The second was historic, with unforgettable moments. And the third was a challenge, considering the expectations. I’ve learned as a coach that I need more resources. But I think we’ve done a good job.”

What will you remember from Leverkusen?“The Pokal (German Cup) final was the most exciting moment. The last week of last season was very intense. At some point, I knew we were going to win the Bundesliga. After experiencing the bitterness of football in Dublin (losing the 2024 Europa League final to Atalanta) , I wanted to finish the season in the best possible way, and in the end, we were able to close out a historic season with the double. It was the best way to end a dream year. I think it will be remembered for a long time.”

Do you have a visa for the US?“No idea.”

What do you take away from Leverkusen?: “Respect, understanding and trust. That’s what I’ve felt here from the very beginning. And it’s helped me a lot. It’s been an important cycle with the players. At some point, it had to come to an end. The best thing is to do it in good times and not in bad times, that way it’s easier for everyone. The moment the club is going through is fantastic. We can be happy and proud of it. There are people at the club who will continue to keep it where it is, and I will help in any way I can, given that I’ve experienced things that don’t fade away. This will remain forever.”

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