Xabi Alonso responds to explosive comments from Bayer Leverkusen attacker Jonas Hofmann | OneFootball

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 appearance this season in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Augsburg. After a strong and influential performance, the former German international vented his frustrations while speaking to Sky Germany.

“The situation is very difficult,” Hofmann said at the time. “I still have two years left on my contract and I’m 33 years old. I want to play football. So I’m just looking to see where I can find the best situation for me, where I think I have the best chance of playing.

“I have to be a bit careful [with my words],” Hofmann continued, “But I just find it very difficult when you were such an integral part of the team during such a special season last year and then you’re left out. It’s difficult.

“I’ve received very little [in terms of an explanation from Xabi],” Hofmann concluded. “I’m a very reflective guy who looks at games and training seasons very objectively. I keep asking myself what the reason, but haven’t come up with an explanation yet.”

When addressing the comments of one of the Leverkusen players tortured by the uncertainty the club faces in the offseason, sporting director Simon Rolfes seemed to side with Hofmann. In his own post-match comments, Rolfes made almost no effort to defend his likely soon-to-depart head coach.

Alonso’s Friday comments – similarly mild – very much appeared to suggest that the current Werkself head coach had little to no interest in fomenting a conflict with the player. Xabi didn’t match Hofmann’s acerbic tone. By all accounts, the Spaniard sounded like a man looking to close a chapter cordially.

GGFN | Peter Weis