Xabi Alonso, former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen head coach has scrubbed aside all the reports linking him away from the German outfit this summer.
Several reports declared that Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in hiring the Spanish International service, but the 41-year-old is completely concentrating on achieving success with Bayer Leverkusen.
Following Antonio Conte’s departure and the dismissal of interim coach Cristian Stellini, the Londoners are making every effort to hire a new manager. While Los Blancos are keeping several options open despite concerns about Carlo Ancelotti’s future.
The ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid legend has transformed Die Schwarzroten since taking charge as the club’s head coach and he’s willing to achieve more with them.
Alonso was asked about his future amid the Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur’s rumors in the pre-match press conference before Bayer Leverkusen’s home game against Koln on Friday evening in the Bundesliga.
Xabi Alonso said; “I’ve been in football for many years, rumors are normal we (Bayer Leverkusen) still have a lot to achieve”.
He added; “That’s why my head is 100 percent here for the last few months. And my head is also 100 here for next season”.
With those words, the former Real Sociedad B team head coach made it clear that he has no plans to leave the Bay Arena this summer, where he has been instrumental in transforming Bayer Leverkusen into a serious contender for the Bundesliga championship.
Xabi Alonso’s stats with Bayer Leverkusen;
Alonso’s October takeover as manager has been monumental for Leverkusen. In just seven months, he turned them from relegation contenders into one of the best teams in the Bundesliga.
Alonso has led Leverkusen to 17 victories, draw 7, and loss 7 in 31 games since the club was threatened with relegation before the World Cup.
After 30 games, they are in sixth place in the Bundesliga with 48 points, with Alonso responsible for 43 of those points in just 22 matches.
Their current league winning streak is nine games – winning 6, including 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich and drawing 3.
Xabi Alonso’s contract and salary with Bayer Leverkusen;
Bayer Leverkusen appoints Xabi Alonso as their manager in October 2022, trusting him with a deal until the summer of 2024.
Xabi Alonso’s current annual salary is reportedly worth 11 million dollars, the Spaniard is worth a handsome amount of 20 million dollars.
What’s next for Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen?
On Friday night, 5th May, the Basque will be back on the sidelines as Bayer Leverkusen hosts Koln.
On May 11, Alonso’s team will play the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Roma, coached by Jose Mourinho, who was one of Alonso’s managers when he was a player.
Who’s Xabi Alonso?
Xabier Alonso Olano is a Spanish football coach and former professional football player who is currently the head coach of the Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso age;
Alonso was born on the 25th of November, 1981, in Tolosa, Spain.
Xabi Alonso’s club career;
Alonso kicked off his professional career with Real Sociedad, the top club in his native Gipuzkoa.
After spending some time on loan at Eibar, he was named Real Sociedad’s captain by manager John Toshack.
He did well in the position, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the 2002–03 season.
After signing with Liverpool for £10.5 million in August of 2004, he helped the club win the UEFA Champions League that season under manager Rafael Benitez by scoring the game-winning goal in the final against AC Milan. He swept the FA Cup and FA Community Shield the following year.
For about $30 million, he was transferred to Real Madrid in time for the 2009-10 season.
After five successful seasons with Real Madrid, during which he won the League in 2012 and the Champions League in 2014, he signed a two-year contract with Bayern Munich in Germany.
After winning the Bundesliga in each of his first three seasons with Bayern, this was extended for another year, and he retired in the summer of 2017, at the age of 35.
Xabi Alonso’s international career;
In April of 2003, he debuted for Spain’s national team, helping his team to a 4-0 victory over Ecuador.
Alonso won the European Championship in 2008, the European Championship in 2012, and the World Cup in 2010 while playing for Spain.
He also competed in the European Championship in 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. Alonso scored two goals in Spain’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over France on June 23 to earn his 100th cap for his national team and advance to the tournament’s semi-finals.
Alonso announced his retirement from international football on August 27, 2014, after Spain was eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. With 114 caps for his country, he ranks eighth all-time.
