Jonas Hofmann opens up on disappointment under Xabi Alonso, eyes fresh start with Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Jonas Hofmann has voiced his dissatisfaction with former head coach Xabi Alonso, revealing that the current Real Madrid manager failed to meet his expectations during their time together in Germany.
Alonso, who guided Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season, earned widespread acclaim for transforming the club into a dominant force. However, not everyone in the squad shared the same admiration for the Spanish tactician.
In a candid interview with Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger , Hofmann criticized Alonso for a lack of clear communication, suggesting the coach didn't always foster an environment of transparency and mutual respect.
'I expect a coach to address something directly when he notices something,' Hofmann said. 'There should be open and direct communication. A coach shouldn't wait longer than two weeks because I want to be in top shape to raise the training level. I would have expected a bit more from the coach.'
Hofmann, who had a productive 2023–24 season with 46 appearances, eight goals, and 12 assists, saw his role diminish significantly under Alonso last season, featuring in only 17 matches. This limited involvement left him feeling sidelined and unvalued, prompting him to reflect on his place within the team.
The 33-year-old revealed that he would have considered leaving Leverkusen had Alonso remained in charge. However, with Erik ten Hag now appointed as Leverkusen's new head coach, Hofmann is approaching the 2025–26 campaign as a clean slate.
'New coach, new opportunity. I'm a Bundesliga kid. I'm fighting my way back. I feel comfortable, but under Xabi Alonso, I probably would have considered a move,' he admitted.
'Personally, I'm putting last season in a box and don't want to take it out again. It was very disappointing for me, what happened there and how it played out. That's not what I'm aiming for.'
Despite the sour note left by Alonso's tenure, at least from Hofmann's perspective, there's a sense of renewed purpose as the midfielder prepares to impress under Ten Hag. With a contract at Leverkusen running until summer 2027, Hofmann is determined to reestablish himself as a key figure in the squad.
Leverkusen will begin their 2025–26 campaign on August 15, when they face SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. For Hofmann, it's not just a new season, it's a shot at redemption.
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