Insights from Bayer Leverkusen’s Head of Coaching on Xabi Alonso’s Impact and the Club’s Ascendancy

As March unfolds, Bayer Leverkusen continues to maintain an unblemished record, a feat not confined to the Bundesliga but extending across all competitions. In an exclusive conversation with Tribal Football, Keld Bordinggaard, the club’s Head of Coaching at 61, offers illuminating perspectives just days after Xabi Alonso’s squad surged to a commanding 10-point lead over perennial champions Bayern Munich. Yet, amidst this remarkable achievement, exuberance finds no place in Bordinggaard’s demeanor.

“We savor the moment, but refrain from premature celebrations,” asserts Bordinggaard, mindful of Leverkusen’s storied past, including their runner-up status across three competitions in the 2001/02 season.

Reflecting on the coaching staff’s composition, Bordinggaard addresses the burgeoning interest from elite clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool in securing Alonso’s services. Can Leverkusen retain him?

“The entire club aspires to retain him, undoubtedly. This collective group of players and coaching staff harbors unfulfilled potential,” affirms Bordinggaard, underscoring the concerted efforts to adhere to a footballing philosophy meticulously crafted by the coaching cadre.

While Alonso’s appointment may have seemed unconventional initially, given his limited managerial experience, Leverkusen exhibited unwavering faith amid relegation threats. Bordinggaard cites Marcelo Bielsa’s adage—”don’t showcase a manager’s results, demonstrate their methodology”—highlighting the strategic foresight underpinning Alonso’s recruitment.

With an impressive Bundesliga tally of 21 victories in 25 rounds, Leverkusen’s ascendancy is underpinned by meticulous groundwork laid several years ago. Bordinggaard elucidates on a blueprint meticulously crafted to foster sustained competitiveness, culminating in a top-four Bundesliga finish and top-16 European standing.

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The club’s recent triumphs, symbolized by equalling the 01/02 Bundesliga win record, attest to the efficacy of their strategic overhaul. Bordinggaard credits Alonso’s astute game management and transformative coaching philosophy for orchestrating pivotal in-game interventions, crucial for navigating challenging encounters.

Amid Leverkusen’s resurgence, the recruitment of talents like Alejandro Grimaldo underscores Alonso’s magnetic appeal. Grimaldo’s endorsement of Alonso’s coaching prowess amplifies Leverkusen’s allure as a burgeoning footballing project, leveraging Alonso’s pedigree to attract marquee signings.

Bordinggaard, having traversed a distinguished playing career, acknowledges the privilege of working under Alonso’s tutelage. Leverkusen’s players have thrived under Alonso’s tutelage, testament to his coherent footballing philosophy and adeptness in implementing tactical nuances.

Beyond on-field exploits, Leverkusen’s strategic coherence and unwavering commitment to their footballing ethos set them apart. Bordinggaard emphasizes Leverkusen’s unwavering adherence to a defined strategy, pivotal for navigating football’s unpredictable terrain and dispelling the ‘Neverkusen’ moniker.

In essence, Leverkusen’s remarkable ascent underscores the transformative impact of strategic planning, astute recruitment, and the indomitable spirit epitomized by Xabi Alonso’s managerial stewardship.