Xhaka praises Alonso: ‚Regardless of what happens, we had a great time‘

Midfield Chief Remains Positive Amid Speculation

Granit Xhaka, the midfield chief of Bayer Leverkusen, remains unfazed by the rumors surrounding coach Xabi Alonso. Following the 2-2 draw against SC Freiburg, Xhaka stated, „Regardless of what happens, we had a beautiful time.“ He emphasized that the team’s focus remains on the present, indicating that they will wait to see if Alonso will coach for a third year after being dethroned as the German football champion.

Xhaka affirmed, „Our coach is here as long as he is here,“ and noted that Alonso has not given the impression that he wants to leave. Instead, he has prepared the team as usual.

Uncertainty Surrounding Alonso’s Future

There were no new updates from Alonso regarding his future after the match in Freiburg. Sporting director Simon Rolfes mentioned that he expects clarity on Alonso’s situation before the end of the season.

Speculation about Alonso’s future has been ongoing for months, with the Spaniard considered a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, who is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club. Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen runs until 2026, but he has an agreement that allows him to leave if a club he previously played for makes an offer.

In the event of Alonso’s departure, reports from ‚Kicker‘ suggest that Leverkusen is close to an agreement with Dutchman Erik ten Hag to take over the role. There have also been rumors regarding Cesc Fàbregas from the Italian club Como 1907.

Xhaka Reflects on the Season

Xhaka remarked, „For every team and player, it is easier to know who will be on the sidelines next year.“ However, he added that this should not be an excuse for the team’s recent performance.

Following the draw in Freiburg, Leverkusen has officially lost its title. Even if they had won, they realistically could not have caught up to FC Bayern Munich, who played to a 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig. Besides their surprising and embarrassing exit from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of third-division Arminia Bielefeld, Xhaka concluded that it has still been „no bad season.“
He acknowledged that the team made too many simple mistakes and dropped unnecessary points. Xhaka expressed the team’s intent to give their all in the last two matches against Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05.