Fernando Carro, the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, has expressed confidence in Xabi Alonso’s continuation as head coach for the upcoming season, despite rumors linking him with moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen has achieved a commendable 10-point lead atop the Bundesliga and has advanced to the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal. They are also set to face West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Liverpool has identified Alonso as a key candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp, who has announced his departure at the end of the current season. Concurrently, Bayern Munich is on the lookout for a new manager to replace Thomas Tuchel. Despite these developments, Leverkusen maintains that there has been no indication of Alonso’s departure after this season. The situation remains dynamic, with Alonso’s impressive performance at Leverkusen making him a sought-after managerial prospect.
‘He has a contract until 2026 and we are planning the next season with him at full speed,’ Carro told Marca.
‘Nothing makes us think that he will not continue with us.
‘On the coaching level, he is the number one in the world at the moment.’
Meanwhile, Leverkusen left-back, Alejandro Grimaldo, claims Alonso has ‘something special’ has a manager.
‘It is something that we have not considered yet. He will know what decision to make. It is clear that I would like to continue improving alongside him,’ Grimaldo said in a separate interview with Marca when asked about Alonso’s potential departure.
‘I had very good coaches throughout my career, both at Barcelona and at Benfica. But Xabi is something special.
‘There are not many coaches like him in the world of football.’
Borja Iglesias, who joined Leverkusen on loan from Real Betis in the January transfer window, also praised Alonso’s management style.
When asked what makes Alonso a special manager, Iglesias told Marca: ‘Many things.
‘I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity he has given me and for the trust he has given me from day one. I am participating and trying to put all my enthusiasm, my work and my talent at his disposal.
‘I have been surprised by many areas of Xabi as a coach – his ability to transmit, his empathy, his idea of the game, how he connects everyone… I can’t say anything bad about him.’