‘What works here might not work elsewhere’ – Xabi Alonso on his future

Xabi Alonso will take charge of Bayer Leverkusen for the final time on Saturday. After two-and-a-half years as head coach, and a Bundesliga and DFB Pokal title later, the Spaniard will leave his role before reportedly joining Real Madrid where he will succeed Carlo Ancelotti.

Although Alonso hasn’t named his next club, he did speak on his future, via kicker: “I want to be happy wherever I end up. I want to enjoy what I do. To achieve that, you need to work hard, have a good team and feel like you’re doing the right things.”

Bayer Leverkusen went the entire 2023/24 domestic campaign unbeaten, and also remained unbeaten in Europe until their Europa League final defeat against Atalanta. But Alonso remarked that his philosophy at Leverkusen may not transpire to his next role.

“Of course you want to gain new experiences and try new things,” said the 43-year-old. “What works here might not work elsewhere. So you have to think […] but through this thinking, this analysing, you will definitely improve.”

When asked what the decisive factor in winning a league title and German Cup was, Alonso commended his players. “The key for me was the players. I had their convictions, their belief. They gave me the privilege of wanting to follow me. I felt that,” said Alonso.”