Quote from: mv1986 on March 12, 2025, 05:36:37 PM

Could be, could not be. I think Alonso was contemplating two things:

1) His public image and reputation. Having one success with a club and then instantly using it as a steppingstone to leave Bayer behind and join a big club like Bayern or Real Madrid is great for him personally, but it leaves a bad impression behind because he wants to present himself as someone who is loyal and is a builder, a club builder.

2) Relates to 1) as I think he on the one hand he knew the season could not be repeated the same way, but he also knew that something great was growing which he was responsible for. If he were to repeat a huge success in terms of titles, it would make him an even bigger hero forever. Additionally, playing a great CL season with Bayer is far more exciting and amazing than playing a great CL season with Madrid or Bayern. He was dreaming that Bayer may take the CL by storm to some degree and why not, Leverkusen is a strong team able to surprise others, and now they have declined somewhat.

I agree with your points actually.

1) That success with Leverkusen was very valuable. Because it was their first ever Bundesliga trophy in team history. Xabi Alonso did it and his reputation has increased a lot in his first years of his manager career already.

2) Yeah actually everyone was thinking the same. That season was extraordinary. It is even hard to explain. Grin

A back-to-back title in the Bundesliga and even going for the Champions League would make him the king around here. But I also don't understand the reason behind this downfall. Did the players lose their belief in themselves or what?