Bayer Leverkusen manger Xabi Alonso wants a €140m Bundesliga star to join him at Real Madrid Move to replace Vini Jr at the club if he leaves to Saudi Arabia

Xabi Alonso, the highly regarded Basque tactician, has been navigating a challenging season with Bayer Leverkusen. Despite leading the team to a historic domestic double last season without losing a single match, Alonso’s current campaign has been marked by struggles. Leverkusen’s inability to cope with the pressure of being defending Bundesliga champions has exposed Alonso’s inexperience at times.

However, it’s essential to remember that Alonso is still in his second full season of senior management. His decision to stay with Leverkusen last season, despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern, has proven to be the right one. The difficulties of the current season will provide Alonso with invaluable experience, allowing him to grow and develop as a manager.

Leverkusen’s recent performances have been underwhelming, to say the least. The team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich was followed by a disappointing loss to Werder Bremen. The six-point gap between Leverkusen and Bayern in the Bundesliga appears insurmountable.

However, Leverkusen’s most recent defeat may be the most shocking of all. The reigning DFB-Pokal champions suffered a humiliating loss to 3. Liga side Arminia Bielefeld in the cup semi-final. Arminia, who have been this season’s giant killers in the Pokal, have already defeated several top-flight teams, including Union Berlin, Freiburg, and Bremen. Their victory over Leverkusen is a testament to their determination and resilience.