April 22 – Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has a “gentleman’s agreement” with the club, according to Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro, in relation to potential job offers from his former clubs.
The ex-Real Madrid and Liverpool player has been in demand since leading his club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season, and with current Real boss Carlo Ancelotti’s future unclear, Alonso is the favorite to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 43-year-old, who won the Champions League with both Liverpool and Real Madrid during his illustrious playing career, has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most tactically astute young managers since retiring in 2017.
“In a few weeks, we’ll know if there’s a coaching change at our club, but the fact is that we’re a very professional club and we have to be prepared for anything,” Carro, who has been CEO since 2018 and previously served as CEO of Bertelsmann Spain, told reporters on Monday.
“From the moment we signed Xabi, we knew he was going to be a great coach, and from the moment you sign one, you have to prepare others. His signing wasn’t just a one-off. First, we signed him for a year and a half until 2024, and then until 2026.
“By signing him until 2026, we had confidence he’d stay. We can sleep peacefully, have a good breakfast, and be prepared for any eventuality. We have a gentleman’s agreement, and if a team he’s played for comes along, we can sit down.”
Alonso has previously stated his happiness in Germany, however, the lure of Madrid has proven too strong for many managers and players. Carro though is confident that the former Spanish international will stay.
“Last year, during the international break, he assured us that he would stay, despite having offers. This year we’ve given ourselves some time to make a decision. We’re very calm, and there’s not much more to say.
“There’s an excellent relationship, and if there’s something to talk about, we’ll talk. Xabi’s willingness is important; he respects us, and we respect him.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1745322137labto1745322137ofdlr1745322137owedi1745322137sni@r1745322137etsbe1745322137w.kci1745322137n1745322137