When Xabi Alonso took charge of Bayer Leverkusen, the German side were in the relegation zone following an abysmal start to the season that saw them in the relegation zone and ultimately led to the dismissal of Gerardo Seoane. Xabi Alonso’s start to life at Der Werkself wasn’t what he would have hoped for. The former Bayern Munich midfielder won just one of his first games at the club and managed to guide Leverkusen to a third-place finish. Headed to the World Cup break, he managed to gather a bit of form for his side with Leverkusen winning three games on the spin for the first time this season.

Der Werkself started the new year where they left off with consecutive victories against Borussia Monchengladbach and Bochum but followed with disappointing defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg. Alonso's side also lost the first leg of their Europa League play-off to Monaco but overturned the score in the reverse fixture after winning on penalty. At the moment they are the most informed team in the Bundesliga having won four of their last five games including getting all three points against Bayern Munich. Currently, they sit 7th in the Bundesliga, seven points behind fourth-placed

Much of the praise goes to Xabi Alonso who has managed to steady the ship over his tenure at the club. He opted for a back three to fix the defensive problems of the club and allow Jeremie Frimpong licence to go forward and combine with the pacey Moussa Diaby. His midfield pivot of Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios has provided balance to the back four and allowed the front three to thrive. Alonso has also gotten the best from Florian Witz after his long-term injury. The young German has provided five goal contributions in six starts.

At the moment, Der Werkself looks on course to fight for the European places in the league and could potentially win the Europa League. If they do it will be due to the brilliant work of Xabi Alonso.