As reported by Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen are hopeful of extending Xabi Alonso’s contract at the club.
The Spanish head coach arrived in Leverkusen last October, taking over from current Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Gerardo Seoane, with the club facing a concerning nosedive in form. Nevertheless, Alonso was able to galvanise the side back up the Bundesliga table, as the Werkself ultimately held on in sixth spot to qualify for the Europa League.
However, Alonso’s contract is set to expire next summer and with a host of top European sides keeping a watchful eye over his progress at Leverkusen, there is no guarantee he will remain at the BayArena. But this does not phase Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes who insists that there is no need to rush a renewal.
“There is a great relationship of trust with Xabi, he feels comfortable in the club and also with the team. There was speculation about this summer, Xabi commented on that relatively quickly,” said Rolfes. “The situation for us is good. The focus now is on getting the team going and working on the squad. Then the topic will certainly become a topic between Xabi and us. There is no time frame for this.”
With Leverkusen currently out in Austria undergoing their pre-season training, Alonso is quietly planning – during his first summer at the club – how to navigate his way towards success next season. A relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is what is currently best for everyone involved and with Alonso’s stock rising, Leverkusen will be hopeful that talks regarding a renewal arise at an appropriate time.
