Bayer Leverkusen have today announced the departure of head coach Gerardo Seoane. Former Real Sociedad B manager Xabi Alonso has been named as Seoane’s successor on a contract until June 2024.
The decision comes following Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 defeat against Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Defeat in Portugal means that B04 have won just two of their 11 games across all competitions this season.
Seventeenth in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen’s 1-1 draw against against Werder Bremen on September 17 prompted club bosses to hold a crisis meeting. Seoane had been given public backing but performances hadn’t improved.
Alonso (40) has had a prestigious career playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, becoming a Champions League winner on two occasions.
“In Xabi Alonso, we have signed a coach who, as a player, was an absolute world class professional for many years, an intelligent strategist and extremely successful in three of the most demanding European leagues,” said Simon Rolfes.
Alonso added: “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.”
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
