Bayer Leverkusen: coaching position at Bayern for Xabi Alonso not an issue

Before the top game in Leverkusen

Almost six years after leaving FC Bayern, Xabi Alonso is about to meet again with Bayern – albeit as the opponent’s coach. The 41-year-old has played a total of 117 games (nine goals/twelve assists) for the German record champions and will now welcome him to Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday (5:30 p.m.). When asked if he was considering a future coaching position at FCB, he replied: “That’s not an issue for me. I don’t look that far into the future.” Instead, he looks “only until Sunday”.

Above all, the former Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had said several times that he could imagine Alonso as Bayern head coach at some point. Rummenigge told the media group “Münchner Merkur/tz” that he and Uli Hoeneß had even considered bringing the Spaniard to Munich as an assistant coach: “It didn’t work at the time.” It is unclear what period of time it is. “I will never forget his first game at Schalke. At that time he had 150 ball contacts and it was thought that he had been directing Bayern Munich for six years,” said Rummenigge, who always wished that Alonso would one day become a coach. “He will go his own way as a coach. Just like he did as a player,” the 67-year-old is certain. Alonso is a highly intelligent person “with whom it was always fun to discuss football”.

Meanwhile, Alonso is looking forward to meeting the Munich team. “Until the game, my focus is just on helping the team. There is no room for emotions there. We have to be professionals,” he said. After the game, however, he will “have time to say hello to my friends. I have great connections to Munich. I had great experiences there and have fond memories of my three years. Playing against them for the first time as a coach will be nice. Hopefully with a smile after the game.”

Alonso also has a lot of respect for the leaders: “We know their quality and they’re going through a good phase.” But: “We also have a good moment and will do our best.” The “Werkself” have been six in all competitions Games unbeaten, FC Bayern, on the other hand, for four. Munich in the Champions League and Bayer in the Europa League are the only remaining Bundesliga teams in the quarter-finals of the European Cup competitions.

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