The Bundesliga champions are committed to keeping their possession-based system, and reports suggest they have identified a previous Barcelona coach as their main target.
As Xabi Alonso is expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s head coach following the club’s defeat in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen is already looking for a new manager to ensure they continue their upward trajectory.
Xavi Hernández has emerged as a strong candidate for the Bayer Leverkusen job, as club officials have been impressed with his tactical understanding and experience, according to Diario Sport.
The Spanish coach is known for his adherence to positional play, high pressing, and complex passing combinations – concepts he refined with Pep Guardiola.
At Barcelona, Xavi introduced a modern version of Cruyffian football, utilizing wing play with overlapping full-backs and rotations in midfield to establish numerical superiority.
This type of football demands skilled players with the ability to make quick decisions while constantly moving off the ball.
While he was head coach at Barcelona, the legendary midfielder put in place an attacking, possession-based style of play – similar to Leverkusen’s current approach with Alonso at the helm.
Xavi faced his own institutional and financial concerns at Barcelona, but still achieved a La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup.
His ability to adapt to that pressure will serve him well in the Bundesliga.
However, the 44-year-old isn’t the only option available.
Erik ten Hag, formerly with Ajax and Manchester United, is also in the mix, along with Imanol Alguacil, who leaves Real Sociedad this summer.
Both of them have successfully created competitive teams and played entertaining football.
Leverkusen will decide on the option they believe fits their longer-term plans.
Xavi’s deep understanding of possession-based football is compelling, but Leverkusen will weigh all outcomes before deciding.
With Alonso’s trip to Madrid looking ever more likely, Leverkusen fans are now waiting to hear who will lead their team into their next era.
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