Xabi Alonso remains! Granit Xhaka speaks plainly after the 2-2 against Freiburg

Xabi Alonso remains! Granit Xhaka speaks plainly after the 2-2 against Freiburg

After the 2-2 draw against SC Freiburg, the rumors are bubbling around the future of Xabi Alonso near Bayer Leverkusen. Granit Xhaka commented in this context and emphasized that the team experienced a pleasant time under Alonso. "He doesn't make the impression that he wants to go," said the Swiss international. Nevertheless, the coaching question remains in the room, since Alonso is traded as a potential successor for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. His contract is valid for Leverkusen by 2026, but there is an agreement on approval if a former club makes an offer, which increases the uncertainty for the future.

Simon Rolfes, sports manager of the association, expects clarity about Alonso's situation until the end of the season. In the meantime, the association is preparing for possible changes, especially since Alonso is also the main candidate for the coaching position at Real Madrid. According to Kicker is not looking for Bayer Leverkusen for a successor, but already has some potential candidates in mind.

Change of coach and its effects

The favorites for Alonso's successor are Erik Ten Hag, Xavi and CESC Fàbregas. Talks with both trainers are already running intensively. Nevertheless, Xhaka emphasizes that the uncertainty about the coaching question should not serve as an excuse for the fluctuating performance in the past few weeks. Even though Leverkusen has been dethroned as a master, Xhaka is optimistic that the team can give everything again in the final games against Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05.

In the past few months, Alonso has proven to be very popular with his team. Xhaka describes him as ambitious and inspires on the pitch. "It is fun to play with this team," said the midfielder, who has been one of the best players in the league since his commitment for around 25 million euros from FC Arsenal in the summer of 2024. Xhaka has played all ten competitive games this season from the start and is considered one of the most important players by his teammates, including Lukas Hradecky.

In Germany, change of coaches are often discussed, especially in the Bundesliga, where the expectations of success are high. According to br24 , FC Bayern Munich has fueled the discussion with nine years of coaching in the past ten years, while clubs such as SC Freiburg have more stable structures. The pressure on the trainers is growing, especially in economically strong leagues like the Bundesliga, which achieved sales of 4.45 billion euros in season 22/23. Change of trainers can increase both expectations and promote the short -term increase in performance of a team, as studies show.

In the current situation, it remains to be seen how the next games run and whether the coaching question around Xabi Alonso clarifies until the end of the season. Bayer Leverkusen has to prepare for an exciting end of the season, while the future of the trainer remains in the balance.