Bayer Leverkusen CEO defends Xabi Alonso – ‘Don’t like the criticism he receives’ | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has offered a thoughtful and revealing assessment of Xabi Alonso and his early months in charge of Real Madrid, drawing on his close personal and professional knowledge of the coach. 

As Alonso’s former employer, Carro worked hand in hand with the Spaniard during one of the most historic periods in Bayer Leverkusen’s history, when the club famously broke Bayern Munich’s long-standing Bundesliga dominance.

Speaking on the Radio Gaceta de los Deportes programme (h/t AS), Carro reflected on Alonso’s current situation in Madrid and admitted that he follows his former coach’s journey closely. 

When asked whether he suffers watching Alonso face pressure and criticism at Real Madrid, Carro first offered a personal response rooted in loyalty and empathy.

“I would like him to win more games than he already does. I don’t want him to have a hard time. I don’t like the criticism he receives.”

More on Alonso

Carro then provided valuable context by comparing Alonso’s current challenge in Madrid with the situation he inherited at Leverkusen. 

Looking back at their successful collaboration, the Leverkusen CEO highlighted how crucial planning and alignment were to Alonso’s rise.

“Xabi found a ready-made squad at Bayer, and when we were able to prepare for the next season, we did it together. 

Carro wishes Alonso nothing success. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“It’s very important that we also decide who would leave with him. One of the important keys is knowing how to help the club build a great team.”

On the Vinicius-Alonso story

The conversation also touched on Alonso’s ability to manage high-profile players, a topic that has become increasingly relevant at Real Madrid. 

Addressing the complexity of handling stars such as Vinicius Jr., Carro explained how these situations require patience and collective understanding.

“It’s not easy. It takes a lot of meetings to see what the player is like, each player in question. Every time we think about a player, we also do it collectively.”

Finally, Carro spoke openly about internal challenges he encountered at Leverkusen and how communication was always the foundation for resolving issues. 

Offering insight into Alonso’s people-management philosophy, he said, “All behaviour is co-created. You have to talk to the player. 

“We’ve had some problems at the squad level, and I tried to reach out to his family, his culture… to be able to help and advise him. Try to create a conversation about punctuality, for example,” he concluded.