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The Spanish football manager, Xabi Alonso, has stepped down as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, a prominent German football club, as he is set to take over the role at Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso has spent just over two and a half years at Leverkusen, where he established an unbeaten record that helped the team secure the Bundesliga title.
The club confirmed his departure on Friday, putting to rest ongoing speculation about his future with the German side, which has qualified for the Champions League next season.
His resignation has sparked rumors that Alonso will soon return to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he previously played from 2009 to 2014.
At 43 years old, Alonso expressed his intention to leave B04, where he has experienced remarkable success during his nearly three-year tenure.
“The club and I have agreed that these two remaining matches will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach,” he stated during a press conference on Friday.
“I have a profound sense of gratitude to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The club is positioned well for the future, and I will be watching its positive trajectory with great interest.”
Reports indicate that he delivered a heartfelt address to his players in the locker room but did not confirm his imminent move to Real Madrid.
“When it comes to my next club, this isn’t the right moment to discuss the future, as we aim to have a memorable farewell on Sunday,” he noted.
Leverkusen has reportedly identified Cesc Fabregas as a top candidate to succeed Alonso, with the former Barcelona player currently managing Serie A club Como.
