Xabi Alonso, recently linked with managerial roles at Chelsea and Liverpool, may consider a return to Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports. The Spaniard’s reputation has been impacted by a challenging and short tenure at Real Madrid, where he was sacked in January after failing to connect with the squad and implement his tactical vision. Sources indicate that issues within the Real Madrid dressing room, rather than Alonso’s coaching ability, were the primary cause of his departure.
Despite the setback at Real Madrid, Alonso remains a sought-after manager, with Chelsea and AC Milan also expressing interest. However, concerns exist regarding his ability to manage strong personalities, a trait that proved difficult at Real Madrid and could be equally problematic at Chelsea. Liverpool have also been linked, but reports from club sources suggest the connection has been overstated, potentially as a tactic to bolster the position of current manager Arne Slot.
Alonso previously managed Leverkusen with considerable success, leading them to a Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal win in the 2023/24 season. He implemented a successful system, largely working with a squad already in place upon his arrival in 2022. Leverkusen have struggled since his departure, with Erik ten Hag and Kasper Hjulmand both failing to replicate his success. The club is reportedly likely to seek a new manager this summer, and Alonso has emerged as a potential candidate.
Leverkusen’s current situation – facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League – could make the job less appealing, but also offers an opportunity for Alonso to rebuild and reshape the squad. A return to Leverkusen would allow him to continue developing his coaching skills in a familiar environment, potentially avoiding the intense pressure and challenging dynamics of clubs like Chelsea or Liverpool. This option could be a strategic move for Alonso to gain further experience before taking on another high-profile role, mirroring the approach taken by some of his peers like Cesc Fabregas who are building long-term projects at smaller clubs.
