Speaking at his Friday press conference, Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso directly addressed critical comments from attacker Jonas Hofmann made last week. Hofmann made just his ninth league

However, there have been no concrete talks with Ten Hag himself. Leverkusen, however, has gathered crucial information and has been checking various coaches and their availability for days. This includes Imanol Alguacil of Real Sociedad San Sebastián.

It's not official yet, but there seems to be little doubt that Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid at the end of this season. After Real were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by Arsenal and lost in the Copa del Rey final to arch-rivals Barcelona,