The moment of decision is approaching for Xabi Alonso and the leaders of Bayer Leverkusen. The external doubts surrounding the coach’s future have been ongoing, with March being a crucial month, as we’ve been counting down in our reports.
Those in charge at the German club are holding on to the fact that Alonso has a year left on his contract, but more importantly, they’re counting on his loyalty, which was forged during his playing days with Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, Bayern, and Liverpool. This loyalty is expected to help shape a project that continues to compete for titles, as evidenced by their presence in the Champions League round of 16, where they’ll face Bayern, and their second-place standing in the Bundesliga, albeit somewhat distant from the Bavarian team.
Offers didn’t miss him … nor will they miss him
Last season, Liverpool and Bayern came knocking on Xabi Alonso’s door. Just a year ago, these two powerhouses made their moves, but without a contract extension in place, the Bayer coach chose to prioritize his continuity. This decision ultimately led to an unexpected double for the Leverkusen club and its fans.
At the time, Xabi Alonso weighed his options, reconsidered, and concluded that it was best to stay on. He couldn’t betray the trust placed in him by the Bayer Leverkusen leadership, who had offered him a contract extension. The club’s leaders, who had faith in the former midfielder, continue to have blind faith in his ability to lead the team as coach. Alonso has fit perfectly into a project that has undergone significant transformation, from fighting to avoid relegation to winning titles and now consolidating their elite status.
Fernando Carro, the general director of the German club, is clear about the fans’ desire: “When you have a career like his and combine success with personality, everything multiplies. We assume he’ll be our coach next year.”
Pending meeting
All of this is pending a new meeting between the two parties to discuss the continuation of a project that still has a lot to offer. Those at Leverkusen are aware that proposals won’t be lacking, but from Alonso’s environment, it’s clear that this decision will be made personally and in agreement with the German team, with full respect for their wishes.
A detail often overlooked when discussing Xabi Alonso’s future is the reasoning behind his decision-making. He doesn’t let his heart dictate his choices; instead, he uses his head and considers what’s best for him at any given moment. This approach has guided him as both a player and a coach, from the grassroots level up.
The significant difference between last season and the present is that, back then, two top teams, Liverpool and Bayern, expressed interest in Alonso. Now, as other parties involved have acknowledged, that supposed proposal from Real Madrid has not materialized. In fact, the White Club is focused on its current road map, which includes Carlo Ancelotti’s quest for another Champions League title.