Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, behind the scenes of a turnaround!

“There's been a lot of talk about my future over the last few weeks. We had a lot of matches, a lot of objectives and we had to focus on our matches. During this break, I had something to think about and I had time. I made my decision, last week, I had a good discussion with my managers. I told them that I continued to be the coach of this team next season. I tried to make the right decision, I made the most natural decision, I think it's time to be here as a young coach, it's my place.. Present at a press conference this Friday, Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen, finally put an end to a series of several weeks.

Author of an exceptional season with the German club, more than ever leader of the Bundesliga, the Spanish technician has in fact sealed his future, which will therefore take shape on the side of the BayArena. A rather surprising announcement given the interest shown in the native of Tolosa. Building on excellent work with the Pillendrehers, undefeated since the start of the season, the former Real Madrid player logically aroused the desires of the biggest players in Europe. With this in mind, Liverpool had checked the name of its former protégé, moreover after the announcement of the departure of Jürgen Klopp next June. For its part, Bayern Munich, which will also end its collaboration with Thomas Tuchel in the coming months, dreamed of offering itself the services of the 42-year-old manager.

Bayern reached the goal, Florentino Perez in the equation!

We revealed to you, in this regard, that the Munich residents were even in pole position in the last few hours since the Spanish tactician seemed ready to reject the advances of the Reds to accept those of Bayern. More convinced of the idea of ​​relaunching the Bavarian machine – rather than taking over from Klopp – Alonso could also count on certain guarantees regarding the future transfer window. Ultimately it won't be the case. To everyone's surprise and after a long discussion with his management, the former Real Sociedad player, once seduced by the Rekordmeister, finally decided to renew his confidence in Bayer Leverkusen. A choice all the stronger since Bayern Munich and Liverpool were not the only two candidates on the spot.

So, we can reveal to you that Chelsea also came forward to enlist him. Determined to replace Mauricio Pochettino next summer, the Blues however faced the latter's refusal, not necessarily keen on the idea of ​​joining the London bench. Finally, Real Madrid, through its president Florentino Perez, also approached its former star. The opportunity for Madrid management to show concrete interest in him, particularly for the post-Ancelotti era. If a future with the Merengues still remains possible in the years to come, Xabi Alonso, for his part, has decided on his short-term future. To the delight of Bayer Leverkusen, on the verge of having a breathtaking season.