By Peter Ochieng
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is attracting interest from various clubs in Europe, as he works towards aiding his team to the first Bundesliga title in history.
Bayer is top of the Bundesliga table with 70 points, 10 ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich, with less than 8 matches to go before the 2023/2024 season comes to an end.
Alonso’s contract with Bayer ends in 2026, but reportedly has a release clause that may see him leave before it elapses.
Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid are rumoured to be interested in Alonso’s services ahead of next season.
The Bavarians and Liverpool are in the market for a new manager, owing to the fact that Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp are set to leave the Allianz Arena and Anfield dugouts respectively, at the end of the season.
Spanish giants Real Madrid however see the 42-year-old tactician as a future long term manager, especially after Italian Carlo Ancelotti signed a new contract recently.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has admitted their interest in Alonso, but swiftly acknowledged competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
“Clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Leverkusen and FC Bayern are working on it,” Hoeness told Ran Sport.
“He’s proven that he can be a coach for the big time. There are hardly any coaches wo come into question who are currently free, who don’t have a job or who are in sabbatical. Its not easy to tell them that FC Bayern is the measure for all things,” he added.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen is yet to loose a game in all competitions this season.
During his playing days, Alonso featured for Liverpool, Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich, earning legendary status at all the clubs.
He was a modest midfielder with great ball passing ability. Pundits say coming from the background of a great playing carrier where he was coached by Jose Mourinho, Ancelotti Pep Guardiola, has made him the manager he is.