LIVERPOOL legend Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as the new manager of Bayer Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga outfit announced on Wednesday they had parted ways with head coach Gerardo Seoane.
And Alonso, who had been in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team up to now, will succeed the Swiss manager at the German club after penning a deal until 2024.
Speaking about taking the job, Alonso told the club website: “I know Leverkusen from my time in Germany as an excellent club.
“Bayer 04 have always had great players, and I see a lot of quality in the current squad too.
“In my discussions with the club, it quickly became clear that, despite the currently difficult situation, ambitious goals are still being pursued in principle.
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“I am very excited about this task and I am sure that we will live up to this claim.”
Leverkusen currently sit 17th in the Bundesliga table with just one win from their opening eight matches.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Alonso had been managing Sociedad’s second team for three years.
And prior to that, he had a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid’s U14s.
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His coaching career began in 2018 following his retirement from football the previous year.
He is no stranger to German football having enjoyed three seasons with Bayern Munich before hanging up his boots.
Alonso played 117 times for Bayern, winning three Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal.
Prior to that, he spent six years at Real Madrid where he claimed the LaLiga title, Champions League and two Copa del Reys.
But it was at Liverpool where he really announced himself to the world after coming through at Real Sociedad.
Alonso was an Anfield favourite during his five-year stint from 2004 to 2009.
He made 210 appearances and scored 19 goals, with his crowning achievement coming in helping Liverpool to win the 2005 Champions League final.
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The Spaniard also won the 2006 FA Cup final with Liverpool.
And he was capped an incredible 114 times by his country, triumphing with Spain at the 2010 World Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
