It is still unclear whether Xabi Alonso will continue to coach Bayer Leverkusen next season – the successful coach is being courted by top clubs. In the event of an early departure, the Werkself are now said to have chosen two potential successors.
It is the question that concerns Bayer Leverkusen: Will coach Xabi Alonso stay with the Werkself beyond this season – or will the Spaniard leave the club in the summer? With Bayer, Alonso is dominating the current season and has turned the team into a top team and the current top candidate for the German championship. Leverkusen is still unbeaten in 2023/24.
The impressive performances have drawn attention from those interested in the 42-year-old. Both FC Bayern Munich (looking for a successor to Thomas Tuchel) and FC Liverpool (looking for a successor to Jürgen Klopp) – both of Alonso’s former clubs – are said to have good to best chances of being able to convince Alonso to make a move.
A lot of work for Leverkusen’s sports director Simon Rolfes – who has long been working on a solution behind the scenes. According to “Bild”, there should be a list with five to ten names of potential successors. These coaches should be entrusted with the demanding task of continuing the path taken by Alonso. Two names on that list are particularly eye-catching: one from the Bundesliga – and a world star.
Rolfes should assume a decision
The “Bild” reported on Wednesday: Coach Sebastian Hoeneß from VfB Stuttgart is said to be on the Rolfes list – Hoeneß is the architect of Stuttgart’s current high flight, which has led the Swabians to third place in the Bundesliga, just four points away from second-placed FC Bayern . The 41-year-old’s playing style is similar to Alonso’s and the team doesn’t have to make any major changes.
Another big name on Rolfes’ list is said to be an old acquaintance from the Bundesliga – and a big name in world football: Raúl. The long-time Spanish international and Real Madrid club grandee has been training the Royal second team since 2019. His advantage: The now 46-year-old played for Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga from 2010 to 2012 and still speaks German from his time with the “Königsblauen”.
The report also notes: Rolfes has not had any discussions about trainers for weeks in order not to alarm the heated market. He doesn’t want to give the impression that he is preparing to say goodbye to Alonso. On the contrary: Rolfes even assumes that Alonso will stay.