Last Updated:
With talks of Alonso being reeled in by his former club Real Madrid, it seems that a vacancy may open up at Bayer Leverkusen: one that reportedly might be filled by Erik Ten Hag.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso (AFP)
In an unprecedented turn of events for Bayer Leverkusen (and Manchester United), it seems as if disgraced ex-Red Devils manager Erik Ten Hag might be taking over after Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, given the Spaniard leaves the club for Real Madrid.
Alonso, who has proven his coaching chops at Leverkusen, led Leverkusen to an unbeaten season in the Bundesliga last year, while nabbing the domestic double.
But, with talks of the Spaniard being reeled in by his former club Real Madrid, there seems to be a possible vacancy opening up at Leverkusen: one that reportedly might be filled by Ten Hag.
Recent reports from Sky Sports suggested that ten Hag remains a serious candidate for Bayer 04 Leverkusen in case Xabi Alonso departs.
🚨⚫️🔴 Erik ten Hag remains a serious candidate for Bayer 04 Leverkusen as reported and confirmed!… in case Xabi #Alonso joins Real Madrid.
Concrete talks with Ten Hag and his management have already taken place. There are other coaches on the list, but the 55-year-old… pic.twitter.com/T0QETzW6Dl
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 1, 2025
As per reports, concrete talks with Ten Hag and his management have already taken place. While it has also been noted that many other coaches remain on the list, the 55-year-old Dutchman is among the top names.
Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October, despite winning both the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons as Red Devils’ boss.
More than anything else though, Ten Hag struggled with handling players with a bit of an attitude at United, such as Cristiano Ronaldo –who openly criticised the manager back during their time together — and Jadon Sancho — who also took to social media to defend himself after Ten Hag had dropped him due to underperformance in training.
The 55-year-old was axed while United were languishing in 14th place in the Premier League — the exact same position they remain currently under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Why would Real Madrid want to get rid of Ancelotti to bring in Alonso? Well, they remain unsatisfied as well, for similar but different reasons.
Recent reports from Spanish media have suggested that Real Madrid are contemplating firing the Italian from his position if Los Blancos miss out on silverware this season.
It has also been reported that Madrid have their eyes set on club legend and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to take over, in case Ancelotti is forced out.
Real Madrid have hit a dreadful run of form, putting up inconsistent performances on the back of their diminished defense.
This was exemplified by Real Madrid’s dismal exit from the UEFA Champions League semi-final — where Arsenal sunk Los Blancos 5-1 on aggregate — and the Copa Del Rey final — where Barcelona killed Real’s title hopes off with an extra-time stunner.
All of these have percolated to Real Madrid being kicked out of all competitions, trophyless, with little hope of competing for La Liga too, where they trail Barcelona by 4 points.
Hence, Ancelotti’s time at the Bernabeu seems to be nearing a sour end, with Alonso, a club legend, set to take over the reins. And with Ten Hag, set to take over the place of a manager who rejuvenated and made history with Leverkusen.
- First Published:
