As a player for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, his trophies could not be counted on two hands. As an international, he won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. Xabi Alonso stole with his eyes and learned from all his top coaches. Yesterday he won his first trophy as a trainer at the highest level with great distinction: the first Schale for Leverkusen.
On July 1, 2024, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will celebrate its 120th anniversary. Never before has the German top club won the title. After 11 consecutive years of Bayern Munich, Leverkusen is no longer Neverkusen – the unflattering nickname.
Signed: Xabi Alonso. The 42-year-old stylish midfielder was the missing link. After leaving Bayern in 2017, he was a youth coach at Real Madrid and coach of Real Sociedad B.
With this he won promotion from the Segunda Division B to A in 2021. In October 2022 he succeeded the Spanish Swiss Gerardo Seoane at Leverkusen. In his first season he finished 6th and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
This season, Leverkusen is still participating for all prizes. The club has not lost yet. After the 5-0 against Bremen, the title is won, the cup and the Europa League are still possible.
We must celebrate this. You don’t win a Bundesliga every day.
Xabi Alonso
How does the champion maker react to his first title and the first of Leverkusen? “Today we must party and celebrate. With family, friends and supporters,” Xabi Alonso said – in German – in front of the DAZN microphone.
“This is a special day for everyone. This title belongs to many and we must take advantage of it.”
After 11 years – an unprecedented run for Bayern – there is a new German champion. “This is also healthy for the Bundesliga, German football. We are very happy that it is ours.”
“For the first time in 120 years, Leverkusen wins the title. I am very happy to be part of that.”
“We have to celebrate this. You don’t win a Bundesliga every day. From this week the focus will be on the next matches again.”
Because the cup final – against second division Kaiserslautern – and the Europa League – 2-0 away in the quarter-final against West Ham – are also “big goals”.
More festive images from Leverkusen:
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