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4.08.2024Bayer 04

kicker award: Xabi Alonso is 'Coach of the Season'

Werkself coach Xabi Alonso came out on top in the vote organised by sports magazine kicker for the coach of the season. The 42-year-old won with 503 votes from the 751 members of the German Association of Sports Journalists (VDS).
Xabi Alonso

Alonso led the Werkself to the Bundesliga title without defeat last season as well as winning the DFB Cup and reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League. VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß and 1. FC Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt finished behind the Spaniard.

Alonso will be presented with the kicker award this Saturday, 10 August, as part of the season-opening event at the BayArena ahead of the friendly against Real Betis.

'Player of the season': Wirtz and Xhaka second and third

'Player of the Season' went to former Werkself man Toni Kroos, who ended his career following his comeback for the German national team at the home EURO. The 34-year-old won his sixth Champions League title with Real Madrid last season. Behind Kroos (285 votes) were Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz (246) and Granit Xhaka (66). 

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