Xabi Alonso is still regarded as FC Bayern’s absolute favourite to succeed Thomas Tuchel. Leverkusen boss Fernando Carro has now commented on the ongoing rumours.
The search for a coach at the German record champions is currently in full swing. According to consistent media reports, current Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is the favourite candidate of the Bayern bosses.
Max Eberl said: „He played for FC Bayern. But I don’t want to trigger the headline: ‚Xabi suits Bayern! I’m talking about the fact that he knows this club. He’s under contract with Leverkusen, can win the double there and the Europa League as well. But to return to the question: There are coaches who suit FC Bayern, yes.“
According to Eberl, there are „more than four, but not 40 names on Bayern’s list of candidates.“ This should also include some „unusual ideas“. However, the sporting director of the German record champions emphasised that he had not yet spoken to any candidates.
Leverkusen boss reacts to rumours
At the general meeting of the Association of West German Sports Journalists, Leverkusen boss Fernando Carro also responded to the rumours surrounding his head coach. Alonso has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen „until 2026 and there is no reason to doubt that he will stay here,“ Carro explained on Tuesday.
He is therefore „very relaxed, just like Simon Rolfes. We’ve been planning the squad for next season for a long time – with Xabi Alonso.“
However, the 59-year-old added tellingly: „In football, you never know what will happen.“ Nevertheless, he has „great confidence“ in Alonso and is relying on the „very good relationship“.
Carro: „We have to be prepared“
But even if Alonso wants to leave the Werkself in the summer, the club is making provisions in the background: „We have a list of coaches that is always updated, we have to be prepared in case things turn out differently than we think. But I don’t think that will happen.“
Back in November, Carro had not categorically ruled out a premature departure for Alonso. At the time, he said that although the Basque player did not have an exit clause, agreements could also be made verbally.
However, the fight for the German championship is currently the top priority. „It would be good for the league if Bayern Munich didn’t become champions for the twelfth time in a row. We haven’t done it yet, there are still eight games left, five wins to go and we’re doing everything we can to make it happen,“ said the Spaniard.
