Alonso is gone, Wirtz before the farewell: does Leverkusen break apart now?
At the beginning of the week, gratifying customers came to Leverkusen from Italy. The Pisa Sporting Club, formerly known as Pisa AC, had made the return to Italy’s series A at the weekend after 34 years of abstinence. Pisa trainer Filippo Inzaghi explained what this has to do with Leverkusen in an interview with the Gazzetta Dello Sport. The former national striker described the Werkelf’s style of play as the great role model for the conception of his own team, which he had taken over in summer: « Among the first videos I showed, those of Bayer Leverkusen, who had played more than 50 games without defeat. I showed my players how the Leverkusen defensive works with the attackers. » Inzaghi impressed the compactness of the team, which had been hired by his counterpart Xabi Alonso.
And not only him, but also many other counterparts. Pep Guardiola, trainer at Manchester City, reacted with a “wow” to the course of the workself. « A whole season without defeat! That’s incredible. » Leverkusen became one of the hottest stocks in European football under Xabi Alonso. The chronic second was suddenly good for heroic deeds. Since Friday, however, it has finally been clear that the Spaniard’s time in Leverkusen ends after this season. In the press conference before the last home game against Dortmund on Sunday, Club and coach announced that the contract that was actually still valid until 2026. All six co-trainers will also leave Bayer. Alonso did not yet call the new club – that Real Madrid is very interested in itThe fact that Alonso does his heroic deeds in the service of the royal is a not even poorly guarded secret. The Top Club for the new coach of Leverkusen is expected to pay up to 15 million euros. The Clásico is against Barcelona for Real on Sunday-a victory against Barça would be the last chance for still coach Carlo Ancelotti to talk a word in the title fight this season. Otherwise there is a threat of a title season.
At the farewell press conference, Xabi Alonso fought tears
Alonsos’s farewell in Leverkusen was emotional. During the press conference, the 43-year-old fought tears. « We have clarity and that’s why this is the right moment to announce it. We had fantastic years and we will celebrate with the fans, » said the Spaniard. In the direction of the journalists who had asked him to say goodbye for weeks, he said with a smile: « You have your announcement. » Of course he has « mixed feelings ». The plan is to enjoy the last time. We have a great connection in the team. I’m really looking forward to the game against Dortmund. It should be a nice farewell. »
A farewell that, according to the Leverkusen, could have been waiting for something. Managing Director Simon Rolfes called the Alonso era a « milestone » in the history of the club: « We are proud of the great progress and today’s standing of the club. » The Spaniard had taken over the club as the penultimate – and had done a year and a half later what no longer dared to believe after the years of the bitter finals: not Dortmund, not Leipzig, but the club, which was smiled at as vice -kusen, broke through the dominance of Bavaria. Good players were already under contract with Bayer, but it was only with coach Xabi Alonso everything was different. Alonso made the players better, ultimately the entire club better – and the question is: Will everything be without him again?
Florian Wirtz should agree with Bayern
The danger. There have been rumors of nibling around Florian Wirtz for a long time – on Friday evening she reported Picturethat Bayern agree with the midfielder. According to this, the international is said to have given Bayern his promise to only want to move to Munich. Negotiations between the FCB and Bayer have not yet existed, which is why two scenarios are possible: either Wirtz will change to a record champions for over 100 million euros this summer – or only in one year. In 2026, however, Bayer could demand significantly less transfer because the contract expires in 2027. After its expiry, Wirtz would be free – a scenario that you want to avoid under all circumstances.
Other top performers such as Patrik Schick, Alejandro Grimaldo or Jeremie Frimpong are also taking into account the larger clubs. The fact that after the double victory all players and the coach remained, seemed to be at least one promise for excitement like a declaration of war a year ago. At least for a short time, this tension was felt in the season For example in the cup victory of the Werkself in Munich. Of course, good players will continue to be under contract with Bayer. One or the other good kicker can be convinced of the advantages of the Leverkusen location of Leverkusen. A new, promising trainer will also follow on Alonso, according to CESC Fabregas from Como Calcio should be the favorite of the bosses. A trainer like Alonso or a player like Wirtz are not to get as quickly.
