Die Werkslef were looking down the barrel of relegation when Xabi Alonso was named the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen in October. Alonso’s team did, however, qualify for European football after a stunning turnabout in performance, and anticipations were high going into this season.
Star players like Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface moved to the BayArena during the summer transfer window, proving that there was definitely cause for excitement among those connected to the Werkself. However, Granit Xhaka, a former captain of Arsenal, was one addition that made headlines.
The Swiss international, who caused controversy while in London, was regarded as a crucial addition given Alonso’s preferred style of playmaking for his team. It turned out to be a wise decision as the Swiss international helped Leverkusen push for a possible title challenge by playing some of his greatest football to date. But above all, Xhaka offers a plethora of leadership and experience—something he would downplay in an interview with NZZ am Sonntag:
“What does the term boss mean? The word is somewhat large. I came to Leverkusen in search of a fresh challenge, not so much as a boss. After seven years in London, I felt as though my time at Arsenal was coming to an end. I arrived as a seasoned player and individual. The other players recognize that I can impart some of my knowledge to them. That’s what I do for a living.
After that, Xhaka would explain his decision to join Leverkusen instead of Arsenal: “It was sometimes written that I was coming back to Germany because of my wife.” That’s not accurate. She was as pleased in London as I was. I only decided in my capacity as an athlete and football player. I joined a top German club that is goal-oriented and has a plan. Naturally, we had an easier transition because, like me, we had previously lived in Düsseldorf, which is near to Mönchengladbach, the birthplace of my wife.
“Only by training here and being present every day will you truly be able to see what it’s actually like. At Bayer Leverkusen, you may work peacefully because there isn’t much chaos and other clubs are more focused. This is a benefit. The pressure is different at Arsenal. However, we have high expectations since we are aware of our immense potential as a squad. Regarding the distinction between playing for Leverkusen and Arsenal, Xhaka said, “If we keep working like this and keep our feet on the ground, we can achieve something.”
But for Xhaka, it’s all about football these days, and the 31-year-old would say that playing against Alonso was different from playing for him: “He was very unpleasant.” You never even had to press against him because of his cunning, timing, and pass security. That’s the message he gives us today. After two months in Leverkusen, I feel as though I have made progress in this area once more. He provides us with minute data on what elevates an average midfielder to the elite level.
Die Werkself can anticipate what may be a historic season with Alonso leading Leverkusen to victory and the Swiss midfielder declaring that “the six position suits me perfectly” at Leverkusen. They lead the Bundesliga standings after the sixth matchday, and they don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
