"Real craft" - Erik ten Hag praises Alonso | OneFootball

New Bayer Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag praises Xabi Alonso, looks to future

Erik ten Hag says the work of Xabi Alonso provides the perfect foundation for him to build on after being appointed as Bayer Leverkusen's new head coach.

WANT MORE NEWS LIKE THIS? FIND MORE ARTICLES ON THE OFFICIAL BUNDESLIGA APP.

Alonso enjoyed unprecedented success during his nearly three-year tenure as Leverkusen boss, famously steering the club to an unbeaten domestic double in his first full season in charge, in 2023/24. The Spanish tactician also got his hands on the 2024 Supercup, before pushing Bayern Munich all the way, but falling just short, in the 2024/25 Bundesliga title race as the holders finished runners-up.

"What Xabi [Alonso] created here was real craftsmanship, but it's a collaborative effort to build a winning culture that serves as the foundation," said Ten Hag, whose move to the BayArena on a two-year deal follows Alonso's decision to take the managerial job at Real Madrid.

"It's normal in this business for the team to change after so much success. I'm sure we'll build a new squad from which we want to build a good team. It's a fantastic process, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Addressing media for the first time in his new role on Monday, Ten Hag also revealed how he intends to build on not just Alonso's success at the Leverkusen helm, but his own achievements in the dugout down the years.

A 2013/14 regional league title-winner with the Bayern reserves, the former defender lifted three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups at Ajax between 2018 and 2022, before further underlining his managerial credentials by guiding English giants Manchester United to the 2023/23 EFL Cup and 2023/24 FA Cup.

"I've been a coach for over 10 years now. But I'm not looking back; I want to look forward and continue with all my energy," the 55-year-old enthused.

"Bayer 04 have always been innovative. They've taken the step to win titles and, in every conversation, I sense the hunger for more. I want to win, to inspire people with dominant and attractive football. I want to create something together with the fans."

Ten Hag will oversee his first competitive fixture as Leverkusen boss in the first round of the DFB Cup on 15-18 August. He will make his Bundesliga debut a week later and also has UEFA Champions League football to look forward to in 2025/26.

LIKED THE ARTICLE? FIND MORE ARTICLES ON THE OFFICIAL BUNDESLIGA APP.