Xabi Alonso's Gamble: Crafting History with Bayer Leverkusen's Record-Breaking Season

Bayern Leverkusen has sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga with a record-breaking season of unprecedented success, all under the guidance of the brilliant Spanish coach, Xabi Alonso.

Making of the Managerial Maestro

Xabi Alonso's journey from midfield maestro to managerial genius has been nothing short of remarkable. Following stints at Real Madrid, Liverpool, and FC Bayern Munich, Alonso quietly began his managerial career with Real Madrid's youth team in August 2018. His ascent continued as he took the reins at Real Sociedad B in Spain's lower leagues a year later.

However, it was his appointment at Bayern Leverkusen in October 2022 that truly marked his arrival on the big stage.

A risk that is paying dividends

“Bringing in Xabi last October did attract a lot of approval but also skepticism at the same time,” Simon Rolfes, Bayer’s sporting director recalled. “We were in a difficult situation and saw in Xabi a world star but also an inexperienced coach who had not yet been in charge of a top team.

Nevertheless, I was convinced of his ability from the start, and Xabi was convinced of the quality of our squad. We overcame resistance together and created the best of all perspectives for Bayer 04,” said sporting director Simon Rolfes upon last summer’s contract extension with the Spaniard.

And the gamble is paying off heavily!

Crafting success behind Kane’s transfer-saga shadow

While the football world was captivated by the saga of Harry Kane's transfer from Spurs to Bayern Munich, Alonso was quietly orchestrating a revolution at Leverkusen.

After the first year where he took over in the middle of the season, Alonso had enough time to create a team he liked. The summer signings of proven players and talents like Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface laid the foundation for Alonso's vision of an attacking but balanced team.

The team of Alonso’s standards and wishes has been created

Learned from the elite, became elite

Alonso's time learning under the tutelage of footballing giants like Guardiola, Mourinho, and Ancelotti has undoubtedly shaped his managerial philosophy.

His commitment to detail and attacking football has propelled Leverkusen to new heights, making him one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.

The Xabi Approach

"Xabi has an in-depth understanding of football that receives a positive response from a team like ours. His ambition and sporting aspirations fit in 100 percent with Bayer 04 Leverkusen,” said Rolfes upon last summer's contract extensions with Alonso.

Alonso wants his team to create a dominant attacking structure, using attacking midfielders and wing-backs to push forward. They defend with aggression in transition, with the intention to win the ball as close to the opposition goal as possible.

By doing that, Leverkusen has scored 59 and conceded only 16 - the lowest in the league by 10! Their goal difference after 23 games is +43. And they just set a German record of 33 straight games unbeaten across all competitions.

A shot of history: Bayer Leverkusen to celebrate 120 years with first Bundesliga title?

As Leverkusen celebrates its 120th anniversary, the prospect of a first-ever Bundesliga title looms large.

With a commanding 8-point lead in the league, Alonso's men are on the verge of writing their names in the German football history. If you believe Leverkusen will win the title, tether.bet offers odds of 1.13. For Harry Kane and the Munich side to win it, tether.bet offers odds of 5.50.

What is next for Leverkusen and Alonso?

Speculation mounts regarding Alonso's future, with Liverpool emerging as a potential destination after announcement of Klopp's departure at the end of the season.

The allure of returning to his beloved club is strong, but last summer's contract extension with Bayer with no official release fee complicates matters.

In Liverpool, Alonso had the best moments of his playing career, winning the Champions League during a 5 year spell at Anfield. Following a season of historic proportions, particularly if Bayer Leverkusen clinches the Bundesliga title or secures a European trophy, the likelihood of Bayer accepting a compensation fee for their coach grows significantly.

Letting Alonso go to the bigger team would be a sign of gratitude towards Spaniard.

While Liverpool appears to be leading the race for Alonso's signature, FC Bayern is also actively seeking a manager for the upcoming season.

Given Leverkusen's success and Bayern's ambitious project, especially following the acquisition of Harry Kane last summer, Alonso may find himself intrigued by the prospect of joining the Munich-based club.