Bayer Leverkusen coach Xavi Alonso decided to stay in the team, shaking off interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Bayern officially announced its separation on its official website on the 21st of last month that Bayern and Thomas Tuchel have agreed to end their contractual relationship, which was originally scheduled to be maintained until June 30, 2025. This is the result of constructive discussions between Munich CEO Jan Christian Dresen and Tuchel.
After Bayern decided to end its contract early with Thomas Tuchel, it immediately began to appoint a coach. The top candidate decided by Bayern's leadership was head coach Xavi Alonso Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso was recognized as a genius midfielder when he played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern. Alonso started his leadership career as soon as he decided to retire. He showed tremendous performance in charge of the Real Madrid youth team, demonstrating his potential as a leader.
Since then, Alonso took charge of the B team of Real Sociedad, where he played, and led the promotion to the second division league. Alonso made his first start as a manager after receiving a proposal from Leverkusen during the last season. He made his first start as a manager at Leverkusen, and is enjoying the most success. The result is a combination of trendy tactics and leadership that has been praised since his days as a player.
Alonso quickly evolved the team from the middle of last season. When Leverkusen decided to appoint Alonso, the ranking was in the relegation zone. The team that remained in the relegation zone began to rise tremendously as it finished sixth in the league.
Alonso's Leverkusen in the 2023-2024 season is making history. It is running as if it is about to break the Bayern Bundesliga. Leverkusen is the only team in the top five European leagues to win the Bundesliga and the Europa League.
It seemed that Alonso had enough ability to become Bayern's next head coach. Since Bayern is a bigger club than Leverkusen, there was no other team like Alonso to show his tactical ideal. Since becoming Bayern's head coach is not a frequent opportunity, it was carefully predicted that Alonso would eventually leave Leverkusen. This expectation was stronger because Alonso was also connected to Liverpool as the successor to Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.
However, Alonso made the decision that surprised everyone. Liverpool, where Klopp was leaving, contacted Alonso ahead of Bayern, but Alonso rejected his former team's offer. He refused to accept Bayern's offer.
"Alonso will not come to Bayern. He has decided to stay in Leverkusen. Bayern has just been informed of his decision," said Florian Flettenberg of Germany's Sky Sports on Monday (Korea time).
Alonso made his decision in person at a press conference ahead of the German Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim. "I let them know that I had a very good meeting with Leverkusen general manager Simon Rolfez and CEO Fernando Caro and that I have decided to continue as Leverkusen manager," he said.
Alonso wanted to grow further with Leverkusen and create greater success for the team. He said, "I think this is the right place for me to develop as a coach. As a young coach, I have a great feeling. I feel that my work is not over there. I want to help the team, help young players develop. And if I am part of the process, I am satisfied with that," showing his affection for Leverkusen. 메이저사이트
Alonso also thanked Liverpool and Bayern for showing interest in him. Both teams have memories of Alonso's time as active players, and fans of both teams still have fond memories of Alonso.
"After I made the decision, it was important to share it with everyone, because I have to repay the respect they showed me. I'm also grateful to those who believe in me," he said, before expressing his willingness to focus on the end of the season, saying, "Now everything is clear and we have two months to fight to the fullest for the good for this club."
If Alonso makes a good performance by next year, his future will once again attract the attention of big European clubs. Next summer, a buyout clause will be launched, which could make it easier to bring in Alonso.
Fans are paying attention to who Bayern's Plan B is as the situation surrounding Alonso unexpectedly flows. Former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte or former AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho, who has been playing at the time, are not considered by Bayern.
"Conte and Mourinho have already been excluded as candidates for Tuchel's replacement," Georg Holzner of the German Kicker said on his social media on Wednesday. Zinedine, the former Real Madrid coach, was not a candidate either in the past or now. It is the same for German coach Julian Nagels to return.
Reporter Holzner said Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick is Bayern's plan B. "If Alonso rejects Bayern's offer, Rangnick will be the first alternative."
However, Flettenberg argues that another candidate is Plan B. He explained that Brighton coach Roberto DeGerbi would be Plan B if Alonso remained at Leverkusen. The two reporters, who have strong public confidence in Bayern, are making conflicting claims. Flettenberg also added that the club is actively considering Nagelsmann's return.
What is clear is that coaches such as Conte and Mourinho have been excluded from the list of candidates. Conte, who forcibly fits his tactics into the players, or Mourinho, who has a jinx in his third year, was not a choice that Bayern fans welcomed. Even if either coach came, he would have liked Kim Min-jae because he was defensive, but Conte and Mourinho are not good options for Kim Min-jae's career.
Bayern's leadership wants to provide clear information on the coach's plans within April. Kim's future is also likely to be determined by who the new coach is and what he thinks about the squad. The club is very satisfied with Kim.
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