Former Liverpool midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has hinted at the possibility of managing in the Premier League someday, although he has recently reaffirmed his commitment to the German club by extending his contract until 2026. This statement came amidst his team’s impressive run in the Bundesliga and ahead of their Europa League clash with West Ham.
Alonso, 42, is experiencing a stellar debut season at Leverkusen, taking them from relegation strugglers to Bundesliga title contenders. The team is now poised to dethrone Bayern Munich with a victory against Werder Bremen this coming Sunday, which would end Bayern’s 11-year streak as champions.
Despite this success and his strong ties to former clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, Alonso has dismissed rumors linking him with immediate moves away from Leverkusen.
His focus remains fixed on his current responsibilities, especially with critical matches approaching. “You never know,” Alonso said regarding the idea of coaching in England. “At the moment I have enough on my plate to think about, but I’m still young as a coach and for sure it’s a nice one.”
Leverkusen’s journey under Alonso has been remarkable. They are currently leading the Bundesliga by a significant margin, having maintained an unbeaten record so far this season. His leadership not only reflects his strategic acumen but also his ability to inspire and rally his players during challenging times.
The recent Europa League matches underscored Leverkusen’s resilience under Alonso’s guidance. After a challenging tie against Qarabag, where Leverkusen had to overcome a two-goal deficit twice, Alonso praised his team’s spirit and the clutch performance of Patrik Schick, who scored crucial late goals. Leverkusen’s ability to navigate such high-pressure situations bodes well for their upcoming games in both domestic and European competitions.
Looking ahead, Alonso’s immediate task is to focus on the Europa League quarter-final first leg against West Ham, a match he refuses to take lightly despite the high stakes in the Bundesliga. “We’ve just talked about tomorrow [against West Ham],” Alonso clarified. “Afterwards we have enough time to focus on the Bundesliga.”
As Leverkusen gears up for a potentially historic week, Alonso remains pragmatic about his future. The allure of the Premier League is undeniable, and his successful transition from player to coach has only amplified speculation about future roles in England. However, for now, Alonso’s commitment to Leverkusen is clear, as he aims to continue developing his managerial skills and possibly lead his team to Bundesliga glory.
Regardless of where his coaching career takes him next, Xabi Alonso’s impact at Leverkusen will resonate far beyond this season, potentially setting the stage for more opportunities in Europe’s elite footballing arenas. His tactical prowess and calm leadership are assets that would be highly valued in any league, especially the highly competitive Premier League.
