NewsXabi Alonso appointed Bayer Leverkusen head coach

The legendary former playmaker - who made 210 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup - was appointed by the Bundesliga club on Wednesday.

"I know Leverkusen from my time in Germany as an excellent club. Bayer 04 have always had great players and I see a lot of quality in the current squad too," Alonso, who ended his glittering playing career with Bayern Munich, said.

"In my discussions with the club it quickly became clear that, despite the currently difficult situation, ambitious goals are still being pursued in principle.

"I am very excited about this task and I am sure that we will live up to this claim."

This represents Alonso's first top-flight managerial position after his three-year spell in charge of Real Sociedad B came to an end in the summer.

Leverkusen currently sit 17th in the Bundesliga and are third in Champions League Group B after a 2-0 defeat by Porto on Tuesday night.

Alonso's first game in charge sees Bayer host Schalke on Saturday.