Successor for Xabi Alonso: Bayer has Xavi and ten Hag on the list

Successor candidates for Xabi Alonso at Bayer 04: Xavi (left) and Erik ten Hag. IMAGO/NurPhoto

Even though Real Madrid presented themselves in a less than royal manner before and during the final of the Spanish cup competition, the Copa del Rey, one thing must be said for the world-class club: the way in which Real now seems to be managing to stage the separation from Carlo Ancelotti that the club wants is undoubtedly of a class.

So, instead of Ancelotti's dismissal at the end of the season, the successful coach, who has been controversial this season, is likely to make a dignified exit. Ancelotti will not be fired, but rather, at the request of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), will be released from his contract, which runs until 2026, to take up his future role as national coach. Headhunted rather than fired – it couldn't be better, even from Ancelotti's perspective.

The same applies to Bayer 04. Everything points to a quick end to the stalemate surrounding Xabi Alonso (contract until 2026), who is set to succeed Ancelotti at Real Madrid. The reigning double winners have been firmly anticipating the 43-year-old's departure for some time, as was already clear after the 2-0 win against Augsburg on Saturday, when Jonas Hofmann's criticism of the coach was handled .

The factory club is, of course, prepared for the departure of its successful coach. "Basically, it's our job to prepare for many eventualities in theory," says Managing Director Simon Rolfes, "but you can trust me to think one step ahead." And, of course, Bayer has already explored the coaching market, identified suitable successors based on their skills, and also checked their availability.

It's certain that the new signing, like Xabi Alonso, will represent a dominant possession-based football. Bayer will seek a successor for the Basque who will cultivate Leverkusen's long-established attacking style. A prominent name plays a role in this: Xavi, a former world-class player for FC Barcelona, ​​but also coach of the Catalans from November 2021 to 2024, with whom he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023 during extremely turbulent times at the club.

With his Barcelona-esque tiki-taka approach, he fits the profile perfectly. During his time in Qatar, before joining Barca, he gained international coaching experience with Al Sadd from summer 2019 to November 2021, after ending his career there as a player. Xavi also speaks good English. A crucial skill that his compatriot Imanol Alguacil, who will retire from coaching Real Sociedad in San Sebastian at the end of the season, doesn't have.

The former midfielder recently stated in an interview that Xavi is open to a position outside of Spain. Bayer 04 has now inquired about his general interest in the coaching position in Leverkusen and reportedly received no negative response. It is considered certain that the 45-year-old is on the shortlist of the reigning double winners and confirmed Champions League participants – possibly even at the top.

Erik ten Hag is also said to be in the shortlist. The Dutchman, who most recently worked for Manchester United—and apparently did quite well considering the problems facing his successor, Ruben Amorim—also fits Leverkusen's profile with his possession-based football, which he demonstrated at the highest Champions League level with Ajax Amsterdam.

The 55-year-old, who began his coaching career in Germany with Bayern Munich's reserve team, speaks good German thanks to his time there. Ten Hag's profile is just as interesting as Xavi's. His German skills are certainly a plus. The Dutchman is even said to be number one on Bayer's shortlist.