Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will step down as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the current Bundesliga season. The announcement, made during a Friday press conference, has fueled strong speculation that the Spanish tactician will return to Real Madrid as head coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. “We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as a Bayern Leverkusen coach,” Alonso said. “It is always about the moment, and now is the right moment to announce it.”
Alonso’s managerial stock has risen dramatically since taking over at Leverkusen in October 2022. Last season, he led the club to an extraordinary unbeaten Bundesliga title, also clinching the German Cup. A loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final was all that stood between Leverkusen and a historic treble. These accomplishments made Alonso one of the most sought-after coaches in world football.
Although Alonso had extended his contract with Leverkusen until 2026, club officials revealed they agreed to his request for an early departure. This season, Leverkusen fell short of replicating last year’s dominance, securing second place in the Bundesliga behind champions Bayern Munich. Their final home game of the season will be against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave Real Madrid to take over as manager of Brazil’s national team, Alonso is widely anticipated to return to the Bernabéu. As a player, he won both La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid. Spanish media reports suggest a pre-contract has already been signed with the 43-year-old, marking a likely return to the club where he enjoyed significant success during his playing days.
