'It's hard to accept' – Xabi Alonso under fire again as second Bayer Leverkusen star admits he would have left if Real Madrid boss had stayed at Bundesliga side

Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick admits he was disappointed with Xabi Alonso and found it 'hard to accept' being benched by his former coach.

Patrik Schick Voices Frustrations Over Xabi Alonso’s Choices at Bayer Leverkusen

Patrik Schick و Xabi Alonso clash revelations highlight growing tensions at , as the striker opens up about his near exit from the club.

In a candid revelation, Bayer Leverkusen’s forward Patrik Schick has shared his deep dissatisfaction with former manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical decisions during a pivotal season. This comes amid a wave of player discontent, shedding light on the internal dynamics that could have reshaped the squad. As the team navigates a new era under fresh leadership, Schick’s insights offer a glimpse into the challenges faced and the optimism ahead.

  • Patrik Schick wanted Leverkusen exit
  • Admits disappointment with Alonso’s decision
  • Second player to air grievances with Spaniard

'It's hard to accept' - Xabi Alonso under fire again as second Bayer Leverkusen star admits he would have left if Real Madrid boss had stayed at Bundesliga side'It's hard to accept' - Xabi Alonso under fire again as second Bayer Leverkusen star admits he would have left if Real Madrid boss had stayed at Bundesliga side'It's hard to accept' - Xabi Alonso under fire again as second Bayer Leverkusen star admits he would have left if Real Madrid boss had stayed at Bundesliga side

Schick’s Surprise at Being Sidelined in Key Bayer Leverkusen Clash

The experienced Czech forward expressed his bewilderment over Alonso’s repeated selections, particularly when he was overlooked in favor of Victor Boniface during a vital encounter with . At 29, Schick entered the fray only in the dying moments, leading to a direct post-match discussion with Alonso about his exclusion, as the fixture concluded without a winner.

Growing Criticism from Bayer Leverkusen Players Against Alonso

Following in the footsteps of teammate Jonas Hofmann, Schick becomes the latest from the Leverkusen roster to voice concerns about Alonso’s approach to management. The veteran winger had previously highlighted issues with the Spaniard’s handling of players and unclear dialogues. Hofmann, now 33, even suggested he might have departed the BayArena if Alonso remained in charge.

Schick’s Reflections on the Pivotal Match Decision

In an interview with Sport Bild, Schick discussed the benching, noting: “That match felt like the turning point for our campaign. Looking back, it’s clear we needed a victory, and sidelining someone with 20 goals under their belt makes it tough to swallow not being on the field.”

Confronting Alonso: Schick’s Honest Exchange

Elaborating on his talk with the coach, Schick added: “I definitely expressed my letdown to him. Yet, he was the one calling the shots and bearing the weight of those choices. At times, you simply need to move forward, which is precisely what I chose to do.”

Potential Departure if Alonso Stayed at Bayer Leverkusen

The forward openly acknowledged that Alonso’s continued presence might have prompted him to explore alternatives, saying: “If Xabi had stuck around, we’d have needed another serious discussion, similar to the previous year. From there, I’d have weighed my options carefully.”

Schick’s Bright Future and Contract Talks at Bayer Leverkusen

Despite past tensions, Schick plays a central role in Leverkusen’s ambitions, with the club eager to secure his services past the current 2027 expiration. Under new manager Erik ten Hag, the striker reports feeling appreciated and positive about his contributions. Negotiations for a new deal are progressing smoothly, and Schick has voiced his enthusiasm for committing long-term. Recent updates show Leverkusen maintaining strong form in the 2024-25 season, with Schick contributing key goals in their push for European spots, underscoring his value amid a squad boasting an impressive unbeaten streak in domestic play.

Additional reporting by Daniel Buse.