Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, ending a transformative two-and-a-half-year tenure. The announcement, made ahead of Leverkusen’s final home match against Borussia Dortmund, marks the end of an era for the club, which Alonso led to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023-24 season.
The 43-year-old Spaniard, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents, is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, where he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, cited “mixed emotions” in his decision but emphasized the strong bond he built with the club and its fans. “I want to still have this bond with Bayer 04, because that stays forever,” he said.
Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen transformed from a relegation-threatened side into a European powerhouse, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title and a German Cup. Despite falling short of defending the league title this season, Alonso’s impact has been hailed as a “milestone” by sporting director Simon Rolfes.
Alonso’s final match in charge will be against Mainz on May 17. Leverkusen, already planning for the future, is reportedly considering former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and other candidates to succeed him.
As Alonso prepares for his next chapter, Leverkusen fans are set to give their departing coach a heartfelt send-off, celebrating a legacy that redefined the club’s history.
