Xabi Alonso’s future resolved
Bayer Leverkusen’s coach put an end to the rumours in his press conference ahead of the Europa League semi-final against Roma.
Xabi Alonso attempted clear up the issue of his future quite recently, but his spectacular season in charge at Bayer Leverkusen coach has only served to fuel even more rumours about where he could be heading next once the season has ended. For that reason, the Basque coach took advantage of his pre-match press conference head to the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Roma to underline, once again, that he will continue on the BayArena bench next season. Xabi is keen to put an end to an issue that threatened to take the focus away from his team’s clash with Roma which is undoubtedly the club’s most important game in recent history. His side welcome the Italians to the BayArena tomorrow to decide the tie with Jose Mourinho’s team holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
Staying put
The Tolosa native will not leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. In spite of interest from a number of clubs across the continent including Tottenham, Xabi, who is under contract until June 2024, confirmed that he won’t be going anywhere. When asked about his plans for the future and whether he could confirm that he will continue to lead the Bundesliga side during 23/24, the coach replied, “Yes, that’s correct” before adding, “I am very happy with both the team and the club in general. I’m not thinking about my future.”
Regarding Thursday’s return leg against Mourinho’s Roma, in which his side need a win, Xabi said: “The experience of the first leg will help us. We need to find the balance between intensity, passion and defending well. Roma is a strong rival, but if we give it our all in our stadium and with our fans, we can do it. I feel that energy in the team and I can only assure you that we will give everything we’ve got right to the very end”.