Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has been appointed as the new manager of Bayern Leverkusen following the dismissal of Gerardo Seoane on Wednesday.

“#Bayer04 and Gerardo #Seoane go their separate ways. World and European Champion @XabiAlonso becomes new head coach of the #Werkself,” the club announced on Twitter.

It will be the former Bayern Munich player’s first job in charge of a first team head coach since he started football management.

Alonso shared his excitement about joining the German club while praising the players and quality of the squad.

“I know Leverkusen as an excellent club from my time in Germany. #Bayer04 has always had great players, I also see a lot of quality in the current squad. This task excites me a lot.”

The 2010 World Cup winner began his managerial career with the Real Madrid Under 14 team in 2018 before joining Real Sociedad B in 2019 until he left this year.

During his career as a footballer, he played for top teams in Europe including Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Alonso, now 40, won multiple Bundesliga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League titles and the FA Cup, La Liga, UEFA European Championship amongst many other titles.

His first match in charge as the club’s new  manager will be Leverkusen’s Bundesliga home game against Schalke 04 on Saturday October 8.