Leverkusen Extends Coach Alonso's Contract Until 2026

German Bundesliga competitor Bayer Leverkusen announced on Friday the extension of coach Xabi Alonso's contract for two more years, keeping him with the team until 2026. The Spanish coach, who took over a struggling team in October of last year, led Leverkusen to finish sixth in the league and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League last season. Alonso, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain as a player and is currently in his first major coaching position, expressed gratitude for the trust Bayer has placed in him. He stated, "I am grateful for this trust that Bayer has placed in me. The fact that we have the same ideas and directions in sports matters shows the closeness and trust between me and the club's leaders." Leverkusen will once again participate in the Europa League this season.