Schick and Hložek officially have a new coach! Spanish legend sees great quality in Leverkusen’s squad

Tuesday’s loss to Porto was the last straw. After a tragic start to the season, Bayer Leverkusen have decided to change their coach. A great legend of Spanish football can look forward to his first coaching stint.

Last season Bayer Leverkusen was in a great state of mind. Although they had a rather leaky defence, the attack made up for it and the matches of the traditional Bundesliga side were entertaining and often victorious.

Third place, Champions League qualification. There were no reasons to be dissatisfied. Moreover, this allowed all key players to be retained over the summer, with some also having their contracts extended. The club gained confidence and made no secret of its high ambitions.

However, Leverkusen’s start to the new season was a complete failure. Right from the start, the leading German side crashed out of the cup with a newcomer to the third league. It was a slap in the face before the start of the league, but it didn’t wake up the players.

Bayer played 12 competitive games this season, winning only twice and drawing twice. They are second to last in the league and in the Champions League they are no better. The gameplay looks rather desperate and the team lacks system and confidence.

But now the players will have a new impetus. The club’s management has decided to take a difficult step. Gerardo Seoane is no longer the coach. He will be replaced by the legendary Xabi Alonso, who has a big challenge ahead of him.

Alonso was an outstanding footballer, having played for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, now he is about to make his first stint as head coach. And in a big team that is in a big crisis.

“Xabi Alonso has been a world-class player for many years. He has shown himself to be an intelligent strategist who has been extremely successful in the top three European leagues,” Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes commented on the arrival of the Spanish legend to the club’s website.

“ I know Leverkusen as an excellent club from my time playing in Germany. It has always had great players and I see a lot of quality in the current squad. In discussions with the management, it quickly became clear that despite the difficult situation, the club has ambitious goals. I’m interested in this job and I’m sure we will meet the expectations.”

Source: Bayer Leverkusen