Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen Seeks Strong Finish After Disappointing Season

Bayer Leverkusen looks to end the season on a high note despite title hopes fading. Coach Xabi Alonso speaks about the team's mood and upcoming match against Augsburg.

Bayer Leverkusen aims to finish the season on a high note to lift the team's mood after virtually ending their Bundesliga title hopes with two consecutive draws, according to coach Xabi Alonso. The reigning champions trail leaders Bayern Munich by eight points with four games remaining and are likely to conclude the season without any silverware.

“We want to end the season as best as possible with a bit of a better feeling than we have right now,” Alonso said at a press conference ahead of Saturday's match against Augsburg. “There were a lot of positives this season, but clearly our feeling right now is not the best.” Alonso's comments come after Leverkusen's draws in the past two weeks, which have dampened their title prospects. This season could potentially be his last at the German club, given his status as a major transfer target for top European clubs.

Bayer Leverkusen faces a season likely to end without major trophies, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the last 16 and suffering a shock German Cup semi-final loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld earlier this month.

“We have to change a bit in this feeling. We wanted to stay in the fight for the Bundesliga but we did not do it well in the past two matches and that is the consequence now,” said Xabi Alonso, reflecting on the team's recent setbacks. Alonso emphasized the need for a stronger finish to the season to shift the team's current mood.

Let's finish strongly! 💪#B04FCA | @CocaCola_De pic.twitter.com/NPHjDVoFX7

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 25, 2025

Xabi Alonso has avoided commenting on speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season, despite having a contract until 2026. Transfer rumors have surrounded him for months, but Alonso prefers to focus on the team's remaining matches.

“No, I don't go that far,” Alonso said when asked about his future. “I want to prepare my team. I don't want to think too far ahead. No pressure. The situation is clear. There's a moment for everything and it's still too early to talk (about that), so we need to wait.”