Spanish manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season and is close to taking over Real Madrid.
The 43-year-old is leaving Bayer Leverkusen after two seasons in what is his first managerial job. – He started by winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup in his first season and now he looks set to finish in 2nd place behind Bayern Munich who seem to be taking over his favourite Florian Wirtz.
Read: Offered Kevin de Bruyne after it became likely Florian Wirtz chooses Bayern Munich
With Xabi Alonso’s exit already confirmed in the summer, Bayer Leverkusen have turned their attention to two very different profiles to continue the project: Como manager Cesc Fàbregas and unemployed Erik ten Hag. The former represents a breath of fresh air, while the latter offers experience, where not everything is particularly good.
Xabi Alonso started his career as a player at Real Sociedad and in 2004 was brought to Liverpool where he began to build on his legend status. Real Madrid signed the defensive midfielder in 2009 and then five years later he joined Bayern Munich where he ended his career. – Alonso, who has won the European Championship twice and the World Cup once with Spain, has lifted the Champions League trophy with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Now he will soon be back in the Spanish capital as manager.
According to German media, these two coaches are now the only candidates being considered by the board to take over on the BayArena bench.
Fàbregas’ unique profile
Fàbregas has impressed the club with his clear playing philosophy, which is in keeping with the style that has characterized the reigning Bundesliga champions. His short but promising spell as coach of Como in Italy’s Serie B – where he secured promotion and established the team in the top division – has sparked a lot of interest in Germany. However, his strong ties to the Lombard club – of which he is also a shareholder – could become a significant obstacle. His emotional and professional commitment to Como goes far beyond his role as a coach.
Read on English clubs: Liverpool make the inevitable change already on Sunday
Ten Hag’s experience stamp
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag offers the security of a more established career. Available after his tenure at Manchester United, the Dutch manager represents a less risky choice from the club’s perspective. His ability to lead demanding projects and his international experience could be crucial if negotiations with Fàbregas are not successful.
It is his success with Ajax that makes him relevant.
Leverkusen want to clarify the managerial situation quickly to avoid losing momentum after the Alonso era. The choice between innovation and reliability will shape the team’s direction in the coming years.
