Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid growing expectations that he will return to Real Madrid to take over as head coach.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Alonso said, “This week, the club and I have agreed that these are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach.”
Alonso admitted the decision was emotional but said the timing felt right.
“This is a moment with mixed emotions. This is not a moment to talk too much and not to talk about the future,” he added.
“We want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, myself. It was the right moment to announce it.”
The announcement comes after a historic season for Leverkusen under Alonso’s leadership. The Spanish coach guided the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double. The team came close to completing an unbeaten treble but fell short with a defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
According to Sky in Germany, Alonso is expected to return to Real Madrid—where he won major honours as a player—to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.
Ancelotti, who led Madrid to Champions League and La Liga titles just a year ago, is reportedly back in talks to become the next head coach of Brazil’s national team after earlier negotiations stalled, Sky Sports News reported this week.
