As speculation swirls around the future coaching destination of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, his current team’s remarkable unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga is garnering attention. The team’s recent victory over Hoffenheim further solidified their lead, with Bayern Munich conceding the title after falling 13 points behind. Leverkusen’s impressive run of 39 games without a loss is approaching the European club record, and the possibility of finishing the season undefeated is within reach for the rookie coach.
Alonso’s success with Leverkusen is also breaking the club’s historical curse of always finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga. Despite tempting offers from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, where Alonso previously played, the manager has firmly committed to staying with his current club. He appreciates the players’ dedication and hunger for success, and believes there is still room for growth and development at Leverkusen. His rejection of offers from top clubs has sparked criticism from some pundits, who view it as a missed opportunity for Alonso to capitalize on his high stock in the world of football management.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich have both reacted to Alonso’s rejection in different ways. While Liverpool reportedly had alternative candidates in mind and never formally offered Alonso the job, Bayern Munich expressed admiration for Alonso’s commitment to leading his team to a Bundesliga title. For Liverpool, Alonso’s decision to remain with Leverkusen could be seen as a blessing, as his coaching style differs significantly from Jurgen Klopp’s. Trying to transition from Klopp’s heavy metal style to Alonso’s possession-based philosophy may not have been seamless, making Alonso’s decision to stick with Leverkusen a strategic move for both parties.
Alonso’s rejection of offers from top clubs can also be viewed as a smart move to avoid the pitfalls that often come with following a legendary coach. History has shown that managers who succeed club legends often struggle to live up to expectations, leading to their downfall. By avoiding a potentially difficult transition at Liverpool or Bayern Munich, Alonso is setting himself up for future success without the burden of being compared to his predecessors. Despite criticism from pundits, Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen could ultimately benefit both himself and the clubs he rejected, allowing for a clean slate and potential future opportunities.
