Xabi Alonso has been announced as the new head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder will be taking up his first senior managerial job in the German top flight.
After calling it a day on his illustrious playing career, Xabi Alonso moved into management and was most recently managing Real Sociedad’s B team. He now replaces Gerardo Seoane, who was sacked after a 2-0 loss to Porto.
Xabi Alonso named new Bayer Leverkusen manager
“I know Leverkusen from my time in Germany as an excellent club. Bayer 04 have always had great players, and I see a lot of quality in the current squad too,” Alonso added. “In my discussions with the club, it quickly became clear that, despite the currently difficult situation, ambitious goals are still being pursued in principle. I am very excited about this task and I am sure that we will live up to this claim.”
Bayer Leverkusen have had a very difficult start to the season, and have only won one out of eight games. They are also third in their Champions League group with only one victory so far.
Xabi Alonso has signed a contract with the club until 2024, and will have his first test against Schalke this weekend.