Xabi Alonso exits Bayer Leverkusen to lead Real Madrid in new era

🚨💣 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso confirms he’s set to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen!

“It’s time to confirm these will be my final games at Bayer”, Xabi Alonso says…

…Real Madrid new coach, soon. 🤍🔜 pic.twitter.com/5nHKlZqfBf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2025

Legacy at Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso’s influence at Bayer Leverkusen extends far beyond trophies. Taking charge in October 2022, he inherited a team struggling in the Bundesliga, teetering near the relegation zone. Under his guidance, Leverkusen not only stabilized but also achieved remarkable results across domestic and European competitions. The unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, a first in the club’s history, cemented Alonso’s reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents.

His tenure saw Leverkusen embrace an attacking style, emphasizing possession and swift transitions. Players like Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface became cornerstones, drawing interest from clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Alonso’s ability to nurture young talent was a cornerstone of his success.

Werner Wenning, chairman of Leverkusen’s shareholder committee, praised Alonso’s exemplary conduct. He noted that the coach elevated the Bundesliga’s global prestige while acting as an ambassador for the club. The board, though saddened by his exit, acknowledges that Alonso’s work has set the stage for continued progress.

• Milestones of Alonso’s tenure:
• Turnaround in the 2022/23 season.
• Development of talents like Wirtz and Boniface.
• Dynamic, attacking playing style.
• Global recognition for Leverkusen.

Move to Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid carries immense expectations. The club, aiming to reclaim dominance in La Liga and the Champions League, views Alonso as a blend of player experience and proven coaching success. Having won the Champions League as a Madrid player in 2014, Alonso returns to Valdebebas tasked with leading a new generation, including stars like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé.

Set to sign a three-year contract in the coming weeks, Alonso marks the start of an ambitious project. Real Madrid’s board plans targeted signings to align with his tactical vision. Carlo Ancelotti’s expected move to coach Brazil’s national team hastened negotiations with the Spanish coach.

Joining Alonso in Madrid will be assistant coach Sebas Parrilla and fitness coach Alberto Encinas. The duo played a key role in Leverkusen’s physical and tactical excellence, and their inclusion ensures continuity in Alonso’s methods.

Football world reacts

Alonso’s transfer news sent ripples through the football community. Real Madrid fans voiced excitement on social media, celebrating the return of a club icon. In Leverkusen, the farewell included heartfelt tributes, with banners and chants honoring Alonso during his final open training session.

Former players and coaches weighed in on the move. Jürgen Klopp, ex-Liverpool manager, lauded Alonso’s ability to transform teams, while José Mourinho, who coached him at Real Madrid, praised his tactical acumen. European media outlets position Alonso as a leading contender to shape the coaching landscape in the years ahead.

• Reactions to Alonso’s move:
• Real Madrid fans celebrate his return.
• Leverkusen supporters pay tribute.
• Praise from Klopp and Mourinho.
• Media hails Alonso’s potential.

Preparing for the Club World Cup

Real Madrid’s tight schedule adds urgency to Xabi Alonso’s arrival. The Club World Cup, set for June 2025 in the United States, looms as a key early test. The expanded tournament, featuring continental champions like Manchester City, Flamengo, and Al-Hilal, offers Alonso a global stage to introduce his tactical ideas.

Preparations are underway, with a focus on integrating new players and adapting to Alonso’s style. Pre-season friendlies in Asia and North America will help test formations and assess squad fitness, addressing injury concerns from the previous season. Alonso’s experience in European competitions will be a valuable asset.

The club’s board is also prioritizing squad depth. With a grueling calendar ahead, including La Liga and Champions League commitments, Real Madrid aims to balance youth and experience to compete on all fronts.

Succession at Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen now faces the challenge of replacing Xabi Alonso. The board plans to name a new coach soon, with names like Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and Roger Schmidt, formerly of PSV, among the frontrunners. The decision will be critical to sustaining the club’s competitive edge.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes emphasized the strength of Leverkusen’s project. He highlighted the foundation laid by Alonso, including a talented young squad and a robust infrastructure, as key to future success. Fans, while emotional about the departure, remain hopeful for the upcoming season.

• Potential candidates for Leverkusen’s coaching role:
• Sebastian Hoeness (Stuttgart).
• Roger Schmidt (ex-PSV).
• Other names under consideration.
• Confidence in Alonso’s legacy.

Alonso’s playing career

Before shining as a coach, Xabi Alonso built an illustrious playing career. At Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, he won La Liga, the Champions League, and two Copa del Rey titles. Under José Mourinho, he anchored the midfield with his precise passing and game intelligence.

Alonso also excelled at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, while earning 114 caps for Spain. His accolades include two European Championships (2008 and 2012) and the 2010 World Cup. This experience shapes his coaching philosophy, defined by discipline and strategic insight.

His time as a Real Madrid player deepened his bond with the club. Fans and executives view Alonso as a figure who can blend tradition with innovation, a factor that influenced his appointment.

Alonso’s tactical influence

Xabi Alonso’s coaching success stems from his tactical philosophy. At Leverkusen, he deployed a 3-4-2-1 system, balancing defensive solidity with rapid wing attacks. The formation, which thrives on player versatility, was instrumental in defeating rivals like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

At Real Madrid, Alonso is expected to tailor his approach to the squad. Players like Bellingham, a dynamic midfielder, and Vinícius, a flair-driven winger, give Alonso tools to maintain his tactical identity. Analysts highlight his adaptability as a strength in high-stakes competitions.

Fitness is another cornerstone of Alonso’s work. In Leverkusen, fitness coach Alberto Encinas implemented routines that minimized injuries, enabling consistent performance. This will be vital at Real Madrid, given the demanding schedule.

• Hallmarks of Alonso’s tactics:
• 3-4-2-1 system with quick transitions.
• Emphasis on versatile players.
• Prioritization of fitness.
• Squad-specific adaptations.

Real Madrid fan expectations

Real Madrid supporters greeted Xabi Alonso’s arrival with enthusiasm. Banners and chants honoring the coach have already appeared at the Santiago Bernabéu, where fans anticipate a trophy-laden season. Alonso’s connection to the club and recent achievements fuel belief in a successful tenure.

Social media buzz, with hashtags like #XabiReturns and #AlonsoAtMadrid, reflects widespread excitement. Fans also see Alonso as the ideal coach to develop talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who could anchor the midfield for years.

Pressure will be intense, however. Real Madrid’s tradition of competing for every title demands immediate results, and Alonso’s ability to navigate this will be closely watched.

Upcoming schedule

Real Madrid is already planning for the Xabi Alonso era. Beyond the Club World Cup, the club faces La Liga and Champions League campaigns, aiming to reclaim the Spanish title lost last season. Pre-season friendlies will be crucial for aligning the squad with Alonso’s vision.

At Leverkusen, the search for a new coach continues, with the club determined to build on Alonso’s legacy. The coming weeks will shape the future for both clubs as they navigate this historic transition.