‘Can’t see’ Alonso leaving Leverkusen in the summer, says former sporting director Voller

Former sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, Rudi Voller, at the age of 63, expressed his confidence in coach Xabi Alonso, 42, staying with the club beyond the upcoming summer transfer window, despite rumored interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Having taken charge of Leverkusen last season when the club was struggling near the bottom of the table, Alonso has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, propelling Leverkusen to the summit of the Bundesliga with an eight-point lead and poised for their maiden league title.

Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen has remained undefeated in an impressive streak of 32 games across all competitions this season, with just four draws to their name. When quizzed about Alonso’s future, Voller conveyed to Bild his difficulty envisioning the manager departing for another club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Voller’s deep ties with Bayer Leverkusen, having served as a player, coach, and sporting director for nearly two decades until 2022, lend credence to his insights into the club’s dynamics. His assertion that Alonso is likely to stay put at Leverkusen resonates with his intimate understanding of the club’s ethos and the strong rapport he shares with key figures within the organization, including club CEO Fernando Carro.

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While acknowledging the possibility of Alonso’s eventual departure, Voller emphasized his skepticism about such a scenario materializing in the immediate future. He emphasized Leverkusen’s enduring commitment to building upon their current success, even in the event of clinching the Bundesliga title, suggesting a continuity of momentum and ambition within the club’s ranks.

Voller’s sentiments were echoed by Simon Rolfes, who succeeded Voller as sporting director in 2022, expressing his conviction that Alonso would remain at Leverkusen beyond the summer transfer window. Rolfes highlighted the significance of both contractual obligations and the coach’s comfort within the club environment in determining his future, underlining Leverkusen’s assurance of fielding a competitive team in the upcoming seasons.

Alonso’s decision to extend his contract with Leverkusen until 2026 prior to the commencement of the current season further reinforces the club’s confidence in his managerial prowess and long-term vision. Despite rumored interest from prominent clubs such as Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, Leverkusen’s unwavering commitment to retaining Alonso underscores their determination to sustain their upward trajectory under his leadership.

As Leverkusen enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the culmination of the current campaign and the possibility of clinching the Bundesliga title, the prevailing sentiment among club officials and stakeholders is one of optimism and continuity. With Alonso firmly entrenched at the helm and the club’s hierarchy united in their support, Bayer Leverkusen looks poised to navigate the challenges of the summer transfer window and build upon their recent successes in the seasons to come.