Xabi Alonso 'closes in' on next manager job after Thomas Tuchel rejected offer

Xabi Alonso is under serious consideration to become Bayer Leverkusen's new manager, according to reports.

The Bundesliga giants find themselves in a lowly position in the Bundesliga, struggling in the bottom three with five points from eight games. That looks set to cost Gerardo Seoane his position, with the expectation being he will be sacked later this week.

Reports had initially stated that Leverkusen were targeting Thomas Tuchel, fresh off his ruthless sacking by Chelsea. The German head coach has only been out of work for around a month, after the new ownership group at Stamford Bridge opted to go in a different direction.

That decision came after a stuttering start to the new season, but his reputation remains firmly intact and Sport 1 suggested Leverkusen made an approach. However, it is understood that Tuchel turned down that offer as he looks for his next opportunity after his difficult departure from the Blues.

"This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end," he wrote on social media after losing his post.

"This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start.

"The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever. I am honoured to have been a part of this club's history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart."

And ESPN report that Alonso is now the leading contender, with the former Liverpool midfielder open to taking on the challenge of turning around the team's fortunes. Aged 40, Alonso has developed a reputation as one of the sharpest coaching minds in the game, having spent three years in charge of Real Sociedad B.

The ex-Spain international was heavily linked with the Borussia Monchengladbach job last year, before he ultimately decided to reject that offer. There had been an expectation Alonso would eventually take over the senior Sociedad side, but with Imanol Alguacil continuing to thrive, he decided to depart at the end of last season.

Alonso has been open about his coaching ambitions, revealing he would like to end up with one of the elite sides across Europe. "Everyone has their own decisions," he told the Athletic last year. "I try to take the steps myself, not be pushed.

"I have the ambition to manage an elite team, but I am in no hurry. I am very happy where I am. The timeline at the moment is just to keep our place in Segunda this year."

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