BUNDESLIGA
Xabi Alonso: “I’ve made my decision, I hope it’s the right one”
All of Europe’s top clubs have been closely following his progress. Xabi is under contract until 2026 and will continue in Germany for at least another year. AS visited him in Leverkusen.
During his playing days, Xabi Alonso was an idol at Real Sociedad, Liverpool and Real Madrid. Now as a coach, he is equally revered at Bayer Leverkusen - to put it mildly. Xabi has delivered the club’s first Bundesliga title, to the delight of the club’s fans. The Bay Arena, which is attended by fans mostly from Cologne, pays it own tribute to the Basque coach in every game since they were crowned champions - scarves held aloft, songs dedicated to him...
In the back offices of the beautiful Bay Arena, Xabi couldn’t be much happier. He is given free rein to do what he wants, how he wants. Everyone at the club respects him. From [Sports Managing Director] Simon Rolfes to club CEO Fernando Carro to the communications department, marketing, social media... And most importantly of all the players, who he treats as team mates as well as subordinates.
Xabi Alonso: a methodical, no-nonsense coach
Xabi’s only been at the helm for a year and a half, but has already asserted his authority in Leverkusen. He is open and approachable but serious and straightforward when he needs to be. Characteristics which are ingrained in his personality. An honest, no-nonsense, hard-working guy. “Things have changed a lot,” he tells AS regarding the first visit that this newspaper, the only Spanish one, made to visit him back in October 2022, when he toasted his debut with a 4-0 over Schalke. With a maiden Bundesliga title under his belt, it was the perfect time to visit him again. He appreciates the interest from back home.
Life is sweet for Xabi in Leverkusen
“I’m very pleased that people in Spain are following what we are doing here,” he says. “The season had been fantastic so far - not only because of the results but because of the way the team has been playing. That is something that gets noticed in Spain and also in other parts of Europe. It makes the club grow and helps to create a more global following. That’s important for everyone. Being part of that and having participated in the process makes me very happy. But we don’t want to stop here”.
Xabi, who joined Leverkusen without any previous experience at the top level, signed a contract renewal back in August last year, committing to the German club until June 2026. A few weeks ago he was obliged to confirm that he is staying, under pressure with growing rumors linking him to two of his former clubs: Liverpool and Bayern. At Anfield, he was seen as the ideal man to take the baton from the departing Jürgen Klopp - both men are revered but both have a very different personalities and styles of football. In contrast to the outgoing, heart-on-sleeve Klopp, Xabi is reserved, measured and outwardly more serious in his general demeanor.
He’s also a man of his word, and in spite of interest from two giants of European football, he has made it clear that he intends to stay on in Germany. While things are going so well for him, who would blame him? Why ruin a good thing?
Liverpool, Madrid, Bayern, City...
Born, raised and seasoned in football since childhood, Xabi knew that by closing some doors now he would appease the rumors about his departure at the end of the season. That is just what was necessary for the club, the players and he himself to focus on wrapping up the title at a key moment. He doesn’t want distractions - his team is though to the Europa League semi-final and that is the next objective. Luis Aragonés’ famous words, “Go out there and win, win and win again” rubbed off on Xabi.
Nevertheless, with the constant merry-go-round of coaches at Europe’s elite clubs, the rumors will return once he starts nearing the end of his contract. Carlo Ancelotti’s contract at Real Madrid will expire at the same time as Xabi’s, so inevitably, there will be chatter on the rumor mill. Man City meanwhile are waiting to see whether Pep Guardiola will renew his contract in the summer of 2025.
“Everyone is responsible for their own decisions,” Xabi explains matter-of-factly. “I hope mine to stay is the right one; I’m convinced that I have made the correct choice. I’m enjoying this moment and, of course, I want to continue improving”. In pite of that, some pundits, such as Paul Merson in England, cannot comprehend Xabi turning down the chance to manage Liverpool this summer. “Paul Merson will have taken decisions that are of no value to me - this is mine,” he adds bluntly.
The celebration of the title, a beer bath soaking, his connection with the players - and with the fans, are a reflection that Xabi has things completely under control. “Grimaldo, rest well,” he tells the full-back as they bid farewell after a game. “See you tomorrow in training,” he advises Diego Martínez, the Spanish coach who is visiting several Bundesliga clubs this week. “Ok, let’s the photo out of the way,” he tells AS’ photographer, in charge of taking the picture that will adorn the front cover of tomorrow’s print edition of the newspaper - the first to feature Xabi as a coach, the first of him as a league champion, the first of many.