Xabi Alonso's Impact: Bayer Leverkusen Surges as Europe's Top Contender

Earning a reputation for consistently falling short in crucial moments is not what any successful soccer team desires. This was the case for Bayer Leverkusen, who earned the unfortunate nickname 'Neverkusen.' In 2002, a talented team featuring players like Michael Ballack, Oliver Neuville, Dimitar Berbatov, Lúcio, and Zé Roberto, finished just one point behind Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund. They also lost the German Cup final and the Champions League final to Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane's memorable volley sealing their fate.

After enduring years of criticism and mockery from rival fans, Leverkusen's luck seems to have taken a positive turn, thanks to one key individual.

Xabi Alonso took on the role of head coach for the club in October 2022, when Leverkusen was struggling near the bottom of the German league. In less than 18 months, the ex-Spanish international has led Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga standings, impressing supporters and attracting attention from top clubs across Europe.

Alonso is rumored to be in the running for coaching positions at two of his past clubs - Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, currently in second place, and Liverpool in the English Premier League.

Alonso speaks with his Leverkusen players during their game against Köln.

Alonso speaks with his Leverkusen players during their game against Köln.

Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images

The 42-year-old started his professional playing career at Real Sociedad before joining Liverpool in 2004. He played for the Merseyside club for five years, including their memorable Champions League victory in Istanbul in 2005, before moving to Real Madrid for another five years. He ended his playing career with three successful seasons at Bayern Munich.

During his time with the Spanish national team, Alonso was a key player in the team's golden era. He earned 114 caps and was part of a star-studded midfield that won the World Cup once and two European Championships.

Before taking on the role as manager of Leverkusen, Alonso had experience coaching Real Madrid's Under-14 team and Real Sociedad's B team.

Now, whether he decides to stay with Leverkusen or explore other options after the season, Alonso has gained recognition as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe. This is due to his successful turnaround of Leverkusen's performance and the attractive style of football his team has been playing.

Alonso has made it clear that he is still committed to his current position at Leverkusen. He mentioned in February that while it's normal to have questions, it doesn't bother him. His team continues to perform well with no signs of slowing down.

Finishing strong

Sunday's Rhein derby match saw Leverkusen secure a 2-0 victory over rivals Köln, further solidifying their position at the top of the Bundesliga table with a 10-point lead after Bayern's draw on Friday.

The match was a true reflection of the excellent work done by Alonso. Leverkusen dominated possession and had more chances, with two standout players, defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Alejando Grimaldo, scoring the goals under his guidance.

Grimaldo quietly joined the team in the summer from Benfica but quickly proved himself as a strong attacking force. He scored nine goals and assisted nine from his position as left back. Frimpong also had a successful season playing from right back, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

Alonso's strategic deployment of a back three, two defensive midfielders, and versatile attackers has consistently confused opposing defenses. According to John Muller of The Athletic, Alonso prefers his team to play short, keep the ball on the ground, and move quickly up the middle, leaving opponents spinning in confusion.

The win against Köln has kept Leverkusen's unbeaten streak alive, now reaching 34 games across all competitions this season.

Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tag emphasized the importance of staying focused, as there are still more games to come. He mentioned that they have experienced unexpected outcomes in the past, so it's crucial to remain concentrated on the upcoming matches.

Grimaldo scores Leverkusen's second goal against Köln.

Grimaldo scores Leverkusen's second goal against Köln.

Leverkusen has taken full advantage of Bayern's up and down season, even though Bayern has been the champion of the last 11 Bundesliga titles. Their performance has been so impressive that Bayern has made the decision to end Thomas Tuchel's time as head coach at the conclusion of this season.

Alonso's team has achieved some impressive victories this season, with the standout being their 3-0 win against Bayern in February. This win propelled Leverkusen from title contenders to favorites.

With 10 games left in the Bundesliga season, Leverkusen is now the top pick to secure their first league title. Additionally, Leverkusen is in the semifinals of the domestic cup and the round-of-16 stage of the Europa League. Alonso could potentially end his second season in first-team management with a remarkable three trophies.

Editor's P/S:

Xabi Alonso's remarkable transformation of Bayer Leverkusen has been a testament to his managerial prowess. Inheriting a struggling team, he has instilled a winning mentality and an attractive style of play that has propelled Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga standings. His strategic acumen and ability to get the best out of his players have made him one of the most coveted managers in Europe.

Alonso's success is particularly impressive given the team's history of underachievement. Known as "Neverkusen" for their tendency to fall short in crucial moments, Leverkusen has now shed that moniker under Alonso's leadership. His ability to turn around the club's fortunes and make them genuine title contenders speaks volumes about his capabilities as a manager. It will be fascinating to see how his career unfolds, whether he remains at Leverkusen or takes on a new challenge.