With this season’s football in Europe coming to an end this Saturday, coaches are on the move already as clubs and national teams reposition for the challenges ahead.
Super Eagles duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella who play for Bayer Leverkusen will play under Erik Ten Hag next season. In a statement released by Leverkusen, Ten Hag has signed the dotted lines to remain at the BayArena till June 30, 2027.
Ten Hag, who last worked at Old Trafford where he won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup the next season will resume duties on July 1.
Erik ten Hag
Leverkusen’s Sporting Director is confident that Ten Hag has what it takes to make Leverkusen Stronger. He said, “With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were exceptional.”
“Bayer 04 are one of the best clubs in Germany and also among the top clubs in Europe.” Ten Hag said, “The club offers outstanding conditions, I’ve been very impressed with the discussions of the management.”
Ten Hag is replacing Xabi Alonso, who has been confirmed the manager of Spanish giant Real Madrid from June 1.
Former midfielder Alonso had confirmed earlier this month that he would leave Leverkusen, having last season led the club to its first Bundesliga title to end Bayern Munich’s 11-year domination of the league.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028,” the Spanish club said in a statement.
Basque trainer Alonso had an agreement allowing him to leave if one of his former clubs — Real Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich — wanted to hire him.
His achievement of going domestically unbeaten during Leverkusen’s surprise run had made him a top target for European clubs.
Xabi Alonso(L) being unveiled by Real Madrid
As well as winning the league with Leverkusen last season, Alonso also completed a historic domestic treble by steering them to German Cup and German Super Cup victories.
The 43-year-old takes over at the Spanish club from Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who becomes Brazil’s national team coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti was full of praise for the Brazilian national team and targets to win the 2026 World Cup with them.
Brazil have won the World Cup five times with their last triumph coming in 2002.
In Italy, Massimiliano Allegri has been appointed the head coach of AC Milan. This will be his second stint at the Milan side. He previously coached Milan from 2010 to 2014 and has replaced Sergio Conceicao who was sacked last Thursday, after a horrible season that saw the Italian giants finish eighth in the Serie A and miss out in European football next season. Milan will be hoping for glory days like 2011 when Allegri led them to Serie A title.
