Leverkusen’s recent ascent to the pinnacle of German football, culminating in their first-ever Bundesliga title, is a story of remarkable turnaround and tactical brilliance under Xabi Alonso. Though, just a year ago, the mood surrounding the club was drastically different. A 5-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16 in March 2023 sparked fears that Leverkusen lacked the stature to retain their highly-rated manager and key players. The question wasn’t just about European progression, but about the club’s very trajectory.
That Champions League exit, a 2-0 loss in the second leg at the BayArena, felt particularly stinging. It raised doubts about whether Leverkusen could truly compete at the highest level, not just domestically, but on the continental stage. The club had finished third in the Bundesliga the previous season, but the looming specter of Bayern’s dominance, coupled with the potential loss of Alonso, created a sense of unease.
Alonso’s Arrival and Initial Challenges
Xabi Alonso took the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, inheriting a team in disarray and sitting 17th in the Bundesliga. The appointment was a bold move, given Alonso’s relatively limited managerial experience, but the club clearly identified him as the man to steer them away from relegation trouble and build a sustainable future. His initial press conference set the tone: a commitment to improvement, a belief in the squad’s potential, and a desire to make a significant impact.
The immediate impact was visible. Alonso secured a 4-0 victory over Schalke in his first match, providing a much-needed boost to morale. However, the road to recovery wasn’t smooth. It took seven more games before Leverkusen secured another league win, but Alonso steadily began to instill his tactical philosophy and rebuild the team’s confidence. He understood that he hadn’t inherited a squad lacking quality, but one lacking belief.
Learning from the Best: Alonso’s Tactical Evolution
Alonso’s playing career, which included stints at Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, exposed him to some of the most successful managers in the world, including Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho. He absorbed their tactical insights and developed his own distinct coaching style. His time under Guardiola, in particular, appears to have been formative, influencing his emphasis on positional play, pressing, and proactive football.
According to bundesliga.com, Alonso prioritized restoring a sense of self-belief in his players. He encouraged them to make their own decisions on the pitch, fostering a culture of responsibility and creativity rather than rigid adherence to instructions. “I was encouraged to have my own criteria on the pitch, to take my own decisions,” Alonso explained a year into his tenure. “That’s something that I really push, and I want to invite my players that they have their own decision-making. It’s not about being robots.”
The Unbeaten Run and Bundesliga Triumph
Leverkusen’s transformation under Alonso reached its zenith in the 2023-24 season. The team embarked on an unprecedented unbeaten run in the Bundesliga, culminating in their first-ever league title. This historic achievement broke Bayern Munich’s decade-long stranglehold on the German top flight and cemented Alonso’s reputation as one of the most promising young managers in world football. They likewise secured the DFB-Pokal, completing a domestic double.
The success wasn’t built on luck. It was the result of meticulous planning, tactical flexibility, and a relentless work ethic. Alonso’s ability to identify and develop young talent, combined with his tactical acumen, proved to be a winning formula. Players like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Victor Boniface flourished under his guidance, becoming key components of Leverkusen’s dynamic attack.
Alonso’s Future: Return to Real Madrid?
The culmination of Alonso’s success at Leverkusen has inevitably led to speculation about his future. In March 2024, it was confirmed that he would be returning to Real Madrid as their head coach at the complete of the 2024-25 season. This move represents a significant step up in his managerial career, and a return to the club where he enjoyed a successful spell as a player.
However, his departure from Leverkusen raises questions about the club’s ability to maintain its momentum. Finding a suitable replacement for Alonso will be a major challenge, and the club will need to ensure a smooth transition to avoid derailing the progress they have made under his leadership. The question now is whether Leverkusen can build on this foundation and continue to compete at the highest level, even without their transformative manager.
What’s Next for Leverkusen and Alonso?
Leverkusen will focus on finishing the current season strongly and preparing for life after Alonso. The club will undoubtedly be active in the transfer market, seeking to identify players who can maintain their competitive edge. Alonso, meanwhile, will be tasked with rebuilding Real Madrid and restoring them to their former glory. His first official match in charge of Los Blancos is yet to be confirmed, but anticipation is already building for his return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The story of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen is a testament to the power of astute management, tactical innovation, and unwavering belief. From the brink of relegation to Bundesliga champions, Leverkusen’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. And as Alonso prepares for his next chapter at Real Madrid, the football world will be watching with keen interest to observe if he can replicate his success on an even grander stage.
