Profile of Xabi Alonso, Coach to Remove the Curse of Champions

Xabi Alonso became the talk of the town after delivering it Bayer Leverkusen champion Bundesliga 2023/2024. This success also erased the curse of being a champion as well as the nickname Neverkusen which had been etched in the minds of fans.

Since Alonso was appointed as Leverkusen coach in October 2022, no one ever imagined that he would be able to end the championship curse in the club’s 120 history in the German League.

In his first season, Alonso succeeded in bringing Leverkusen out as runners up in the German League final standings. In his second season, extraordinary achievements were made by the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder.

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Yes, Alonso was surprisingly able to lead Leverkusen to the 2023/2024 Bundesliga championship. Alonso not only made history with the club, but also ended Bayern Munich’s dominance in the last 11 seasons in domestic competition.

Eliminate the Nickname Neverkusen

Leverkusen’s success in winning the 2023/2024 Bundesliga has at least eliminated the nickname Neverkusen. Fans put their stamp on it in 2001/2002. At that time, Leverkusen was chasing the treble winners, namely the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

In that season, Leverkusen was only one point behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Lost 1-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final, and defeated 2-4 by Schalke in the German Cup final.

That failure gave rise to the nickname Neverkusen. But Alonso was able to erase it this season. Fans no longer care because they are still euphoric and happy on the pitch when Leverkusen beat Werder Bremen 5-0 in Week 29 of the 2023/2024 Bundesliga at BayArena.

Now Alonso has the opportunity to make history by winning the treble winners this season. Apart from the Bundesliga trophy which is already in hand, there are still two competitions to be fought for, namely the Europa League and the German Cup.

“It’s very special to be here. Finally becoming German champions. But we want more, we want the trophy (German League) and we also want the Europa League,” said Xabi Alonso as quoted by Bild.

“Thank you very much for your great support. Now is the time to celebrate. Thank you, German champions!” he concluded.

(fly)