Xabi Alonso is close to leading Bayer Leverkusen to a European final in his first season as manager of the Bundesliga club.
Leverkusen face Roma in the semifinal of the Europa League as Alonso prepares to take on his former manager, Jose Mourinho.
The German side have not reached a European final since 2002, where they lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Zinedane Zidane scored one of the greatest goals in the competition’s history that day as his volley into the top corner sealed the win for Los Blancos.
The Sporting News looks at Xabi Alonso’s managerial record so far in his short career.
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Xabi Alonso manager record, teams coached
Alonso has not been in management for long, starting his journey into coaching in 2018 as a youth coach for Real Madrid.
After a season in Madrid, he moved onto manage Real Sociedad B, where he also played during his football career. He spent three seasons crafting his management style there before looking for a professional job from June 2022.
Leverkusen needed a new manager after a dreadful start to the season, and Alonso stepped in to help Die Werkself. He has certainly got off to a good start as other teams are already keeping tabs on the Spaniard.
| Team | Years | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid (youth) | 2018-2019 | – | – | – |
| Real Sociedad B | 2019-2022 | 40 | 23 | 35 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 2022-present | 17 | 7 | 8 |
Xabi Alonso Leverkusen contract, record
Leverkusen appointed Alonso on October 5, 2022 and gave him a deal which expires on June 30, 2024. This would give the board enough time to see whether or not he was the right person for the job.
When Alonso took the role, the club were in the relegation zone after winning once in their opening eight league matches. Leverkusen now sit in sixth place with three games to go as they look to secure European football for another season.
Although Alonso failed to win any of Leverkusen’s three Champions League group stage matches, he has won four of six Europa League knockout matches and 13 of 23 Bundesliga fixtures.
Xabi Alonso Tottenham rumours
Tottenham are currently searching for a new manager after sacking Antonio Conte earlier this season. Chaiman Daniel Levy is said to be interested in Alonso as well as former Bayern boss Julian Naglesmann.
Ryan Mason will keep the interim role for the rest of the season, but Levy has reportedly made early steps to bring Alonso to north London. The Mirror has stated that Levy will pay for Alonso’s release from Leverkusen, compensation for the final year of his contract.
The 41-year-old manager did comment on the rumours and hinted he’s focused on staying on next season. He said: “Rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve. That’s why my head is 100% here for the last few months. And my head is also 100% here for next season.”
Xabi Alonso Liverpool career
Alonso did spend some time in England during his playing days, occupying the playmaking role for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009.
The Reds bought the midfielder for £16 million from Real Sociedad to play alongside Steven Gerrard. Rafael Benitez was the manager at the time and Liverpool were strong enough to fight for every trophy.
Alonso won four trophies in his time at Livepool, including the Champions League in his debut season on Merseyside.
| Seasons | Appearances | Premier League appearances | Goals | Trophies | Trophies won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 210 | 143 | 19 | 4 |
Champions League 2004/05, UEFA Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2005/06, Community Shield 2006 |