Xabi Alonso, Jonathan Tah bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen fans in final home game of the season
There were emotional scenes at Bayer Leverkusen's BayArena on Matchday 33 as double-winning coach Xabi Alonso and long-serving Germany defender Jonathan Tah paid their respects to the fans after a 4-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Alonso and Tah would certainly have hoped to bid farewell to the Werkself's stalwart fans in happier circumstances, having just fallen to a 4-2 defeat to Champions League-chasing Borussia Dortmund, but the result did nothing to dispel the love and respect in the air as the duo said goodbye to the BayArena faithful.
There was a short tribute to Alonso before the match, but it was after the final whistle that the communion really began, with both figures hoisted into the crowd to enjoy a moment of togetherness with the fans before the final match of the season, away to Mainz next weekend.
Alonso arrived in Leverkusen in October 2022 as a storied player with limited coaching experience but before long it was clear that his project was something special. In just his second season in charge, he guided his team to the club's first-ever Bundesliga title, the DFB Cup and the Europa League final, finally putting the club's 'Neverkusen' moniker to rest.
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"It’s a great club to come to and to enjoy; the main thing is the football [they appreciate] and that is why I have been very happy," Alonso, who is yet to announce his next club, told bundesliga.com. "I can only say that I’m really thankful to everyone."
Tah very much
Tah, meanwhile, arrived at Leverkusen from Hamburg as a Germany U21 international all the way back in 2015, and has since made 401 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and setting up a further 13, while also becoming a full Germany international.
His experience, mentality and consistency made him one of the pillars of Alonso's double-winning side and although he is yet to announce where he will be plying his trade in season 2025/26, there is no doubt he will once again bring his qualities to bear.
"On one side, my heart is crying, while on the other, I’m happy for what’s coming," he told bundesliga.com. "I tried to enjoy this moment with the fans today, saying goodbye to all of them. I really appreciate the love they have for me and the support they gave me throughout this entire 10 years."
In the Leverkusen crowd on Sunday, one banner proudly held aloft read 'King Xabi.' The tactician - and, no doubt, his formidable defender - will be considered Werkself royalty forever more for their astounding footballing feats here.
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