Xabi Alonso on Near Role at Borussia Mönchengladbach

Xabi Alonso, the current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has shared insights about a key moment in his coaching career. Speaking ahead of Leverkusen's clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Alonso revealed that he was on the brink of taking over as Mönchengladbach's manager before eventually joining Leverkusen. "There were advanced discussions with Max Eberl, their sporting director at the time," Alonso explained. "But after careful thought, I felt it wasn't the right time for me to enter the Bundesliga."

Since his arrival at Leverkusen, Alonso has transformed the team into title contenders. The club finished the first half of the Bundesliga season in second place, amassing 38 points and sitting just four points behind Bayern Munich. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire players have drawn widespread praise, positioning him as one of the league's standout managers.

Looking ahead to the encounter with Mönchengladbach, Alonso highlighted their strengths, particularly their recent 5-1 victory over Wolfsburg. "They showcased incredible energy and precision, especially in the first half. They are well-organized defensively and have been strong across all areas this season. Tomorrow, we need to be strategic, maintain control, and replicate the intensity we displayed against Mainz last week," he commented.

On team news, Alonso confirmed that Jonathan Tah is fit to play after recovering from injury, while Victor Boniface remains sidelined and will need additional time to recover. "Having Jonathan back is a big boost for us, but we will continue to monitor Victor’s progress carefully," he added.

Alonso also addressed practical concerns regarding traffic delays around Leverkusen, expressing hope that the players would arrive at the stadium without disruptions. "Preparation is key, and every detail matters, especially when facing a challenging opponent like Mönchengladbach," he noted.

Alonso’s decision to join Leverkusen instead of Mönchengladbach has proven pivotal. His ability to elevate the team’s performance has solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young managers in European football. The upcoming match serves as another opportunity for Alonso to showcase his tactical brilliance and continue Leverkusen's strong run in the Bundesliga.