Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 FC Schalke: Xabi Alonso enjoys winning start as manager
- Published
Ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso retired as a player in 2017
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso enjoyed a winning start to his managerial career at Bayer Leverkusen as they beat Schalke in the Bundesliga.
The 40-year-old, previously head coach of Real Sociedad's B team, was appointed on Wednesday.
Moussa Diaby drove in the opener in the 38th minute before providing the assist for Jeremie Frimpong to add a second three minutes later.
Frimpong and Paulinho added further goals after the break.
Diaby once again provided the assist for Frimpong, who found the bottom corner with a shot inside the box.
Paulinho capped off a dream debut for Alonso with a close-range finish late on.
The win is only Bayer Leverkusen's second of the season and they move up to 14th in the Bundesliga.