Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Rolfes’ “gut feeling” about Xabi Alonso was correct
The sports director of the Bundesliga club Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Simon Rolfes. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
Xabi Alonso stays at Bayer Leverkusen. Bayer’s sports director says he was calm despite speculation about offers from other clubs.
Bayer Leverkusen’s sports director Simon Rolfes spoke during contract talks with coach Xabi Alonso was little worried that the successful coach could leave the Bundesliga club. “They weren’t there, otherwise we wouldn’t have been so calm,” said Rolfes on Sky. “The gut feeling has always made me optimistic.”
Bayer and Alonso announced on Friday that Alonso would remain in Leverkusen after the summer despite suspected offers from top clubs such as FC Bayern. It was important to give “a clear direction” during the international break, said Rolfes, so that the club could concentrate on football again. “The important thing is the conversation with Xabi, the exchange – and not with anyone else.”
Leverkusen leads the Bundesliga by a large margin and also has title chances in the DFB Cup and the Europa League. Alonso’s contract is valid until 2026.