Bayer Leverkusen
Rolfes on Alonso rumors: “I’m calm and optimistic”
Leverkusen’s managing director Simon Rolfes is relaxed about the speculation surrounding his head coach Xabi Alonso. photo
© Jan Woitas/dpa
Leverkusen’s successful coach Xabi Alonso is in demand. His boss Rolfes knows this. And sees the whole thing in a relaxed manner. A TV station knows the transfer fee.
Sports director Simon Rolfes from the Bundesliga table leaders Bayer Leverkusen is relaxed about the speculation surrounding its head coach Xabi Alonso.
In addition to Liverpool FC, the German soccer record champions FC Bayern Munich are also said to have the Spanish world and European champions on their list. “I’m still calm and optimistic. The most important thing for managers is that they feel comfortable and have the feeling that they are in the right place,” said the 42-year-old Rolfes in an interview with the “Frankfurter Rundschau”.
Alonso knows what he has at the club: “He’s said that many times. That’s how he works with his team and his coaching team every day.” Alonso’s contract with the factory club runs until June 30, 2026. What if the 42-year-old wanted to leave early? “There are many subjunctives in the world. Not all of them have to occur,” Rolfes said. According to information from the TV channel Sky, FC Bayern would have to put 15 to 25 million euros on the table if Alonso were to be signed after the current season. It would be different in 2025. Then a written exit clause could apply, which should be around 15 million euros.
Most recently, the “Football Insider” portal, citing “well-informed sources”, reported that Liverpool were planning to sign the successful Leverkusen duo Xabi Alonso and Rolfes in the summer. They are the favorites to succeed the outgoing Jürgen Klopp and ex-sports director Jörg Schmadtke. Rolfes clearly denied this in relation to himself. His contract in Leverkusen runs until 2028.