'It Won't Be Over': Rudi Voller on Rumours of Xabi Alonso Leaving Bayer Leverkusen at Season End

There is only one name that reverberates through Leverkusen loud and proud currently: Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard’s genius has been on display for the footballing world to witness as he has revived a once relegation-facing side to scripting history en route to a seemingly historic campaign that will end in a league title.

Alonso’s rise to the top echelons of footballing management has been one that has caught the eyes of many across Europe, who are on the lookout to poach him to their sides. Especially with the announced departure of Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, the rumours surrounding Alonso’s inevitable exit continue to dominate headlines.

But, former Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director Rudi Voller finally had enough and backed coach Xabi Alonso to stay beyond this season, despite the persistent rumours.

“I can’t imagine him going anywhere else in summer at the moment”, Voller said to Bild when asked about the Spaniard’s future.

“It could happen at some point that he goes to another club, but I can’t imagine it this summer.”

He even reinstated his belief in the Spaniard stating that even if they win the title this year, he would not leave.

“It won’t be over, it continues… I don’t think there will be a big exodus. The majority will stay, you can always go one better next year. But first we need to focus on closing out this season.”

Voller played at Leverkusen before becoming coach and then eventually their sporting director, a role which he held for almost two decades until 2022, when he took on the same job in the German national team in 2022.

Simon Rolfes, who replaced Voller at Leverkusen after his departure, also reiterated Voller’s belief, stating that he was “sure” Alonso would not leave in the summer.

“One thing is the contract, the other is how comfortable he feels. He knows we will have a top team next year.”

Under Alonso’s watchful eye, Leverkusen have been flying high currently on a 32-game unbeaten win streak, the only club in Europe to do so, and are now also eight points clear atop the Bundesliga table, seemingly on track for a first-ever league title.

(with inputs from agencies)