- He is a Spanish football manager
- He might not succeed Jurgen Klopp
- He has extended his stay at Leverkusen for one more season until June 2025
Xabi Alonso is a Spanish football manager whose transformation of Bayer Leverkusen has made him a target for Liverpool as well as Bayern Munich. Bayern will rival Liverpool in pushing to appoint Alonso as their manager, and it seems like Leverkusen has won since he has shown interest in remaining in Germany.
He has been heavily touted as the next Liverpool manager, though he could have a difficult decision to make if Bayern Munich also came calling. However, he is more inclined towards staying in Germany than moving to the Premier League.
Bayern has already reached out to him though he remains focused at Leverkusen aiming to lead the club to a Bundesliga title, and will be with the team for the next season till June 2025.
Xabi Alonso Biography
Xabi Alonso Olano is a Spanish football coach and former professional player who is currently the head coach of Bundesliga Liga club Bayer Leverkusen. He was born on November 25 1981 in Tolosa, Spain.
He was one of the best midfielders of his generation and played for clubs like; Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning numerous awards including a Champions League, La Liga and the Bundesliga.
Xabi Alonso. Photo/beIN SPORTS
He also represented Spain at the international level, winning the World Cup in 2010 and two European Championships before retiring in 2017. After his retirement, he transitioned into a coach and headed Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and the reserve team of Real Sociedad.
Xabi Alonso Personal Life
Xabi Alonso Olano is a Spanish football coach and former professional player who was born on November 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Spain to Periko Alonso, a former footballer for Real Sociedad and Barcelona. His father won La Liga three times and also represented Spain.
His father had a big influence on his son’s career path. He has an elder brother by the name, Mike who also pursued football professionally, playing for Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers.
He is married to a Spanish model and former ballet dancer Nagore Aranburu and they have three children together. He is a good communicator and that helps him in his managerial skills, and is known for his stylish appearance.
Xabi Alonso Career
Alonso’s career can be divided into parts, playing and coaching which have both been marked by success. He started his professional career in his hometown with Real Sociedad after an impressive loan at Eibar, then became the team’s captain.
His potential earned him a place with Liverpool where he established himself as a midfield maestro and played a role at their 2005 Champions League triumph. After five years with the Reds, he returned to Spain and joined Real Madrid for five seasons and won another Champions League with the club and a La Liga title.
He marked the end of his playing career with Bayern Munich where he played for three seasons before embarking on a coaching journey.
He started his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s Under-14’s before he became the head coach of Real Sociedad B, helping them secure promotion to the Segunda Division. In 2022, he became the head coach of the Bundesliga Giants Bayer Leverkusen where he continues managing.
His leadership skills enabled the team finish sixth place and semi-finals reach the Europa League semi finals in his first season.
Is Alonso a potential for Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen?
Yes. He is a potential replacement for the two clubs. Why? In his first season at Leverkusen, he led his team to a strong position in the Bundesliga title and European success in the Europa League, his player development skills have drawn attention.
Xabi Alonso. Photo/Squawka
He is also familiar with both clubs since he played for both teams during his active playing years and both clubs are seeking new managers in the coming season.
Why is Alonso’s preference for Leverkusen over Liverpool?
He spent three playing that year with Bayern, winning Bundesliga titles and returning to a familiar league and environment would be more comfortable. Though Liverpool faces a rebuild, it might be a bigger challenge compared to maintaining Bayer’s dominance.
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