Berlin, 5 August 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has extended his deal by two years until 2026, the Bundesliga side said on Friday.

The former Spain midfielder took over with Leverkusen near the bottom last October but inspired a renaissance which culminated in a sixth-place finish. They also reached the last four of the Europa League, despite missing main striker Patrik Schick for much of the campaign.

Moussa Diaby has left for Aston Villa but Leverkusen have high hopes of more success this term, with their Bundesliga opener at home to RB Leipzig on August 19 following their German Cup first-round clash at Teutonia 05 Ottensen on August 12.

"Xabi's arrival last October hit the headlines but there was real scepticism. We were in a tricky situation and although a world-class name, Xabi was seen as an inexperienced coach who had never managed a top team," sporting director Simon Rolfes said in a statement.

"But I was always convinced of his capabilities and Xabi was convinced of the quality in our squad."

New signings this season include Granit Xhaka and Jonas Hofmann.

Alonso said: "I see last season as a positive. But I want more, exactly as the club does. We are now working on that with ambition."

The former Bayern Munich player had been linked in the media with the coaching job at the German champions if Thomas Tuchel was to leave.

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