Rolfes still convinced that Alonso will stay at Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen's head of sport Simon Rolfes continues to believe in a collaboration with the much sought-after successful coach Xabi Alonso beyond the current season.
"He is one hundred percent here and is also involved in all issues that affect the further development of the club and are perhaps a little more long-term," said Rolfes on TV channel Bild: "That's why I'm convinced that he will be with us for a long time to come."
Former world-class Spanish player Alonso has "developed a great bond with the club", said Rolfes, "everyone feels that, I feel it too, but also the fans and players. I believe that he is very happy with us. That is always the basis of a coach's decision." That is why Alonso extended his contract with the current Bundesliga leaders in the summer. However, the coach has been linked with his former club Real Madrid, among others, for weeks.
Series extended
Rolfes revealed that he did not celebrate Alonso's 42nd birthday with the coach on Saturday, when Bayer extended their winning streak with a 3-0 win at Werder Bremen. "When we celebrate the next milestone birthday, I'll have a bottle of wine or champagne with me," said the 41-year-old with a smile.
Rolfes also took the joking question of whether the Leverkusen team would have to hold their championship celebrations in Cologne due to the lack of a town hall balcony with humor. "I don't think the balcony should be a problem. We shouldn't let that stop us, there will be a balcony or something somewhere."
Source: www.dpa.com
