Leverkusen coach is on everyone’s lips: Xabi Alonso developed from sorcerer’s apprentice to magician

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Elegant jacket, collar up. Black, sometimes brown sweaters – made of fine yarn. Plus a pair of white sneakers. He looks like the gentleman stepped out of a fashion catalog. Well-behaved side parting, three-day beard, light red tint. Two wrinkles across both cheeks, especially noticeable when he smiles. And Xabi Alonso (42) has done that a lot lately as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

33 games in a row unbeaten – the first Bundesliga team ever to do so. A big lead of eight points over Bayern Munich. Qarabag FK awaits the semi-final of the DFB Cup against Fortuna Düsseldorf and the round of 16 of the Europa League. Three chances at the title for a club that finally wants to leave the inglorious name of Vizekusen behind.

Alonso, celebrated in all the newspapers, enjoys the admiration, but he ignores questions about the record series and the prospect of his first trophy as a coach. ‘We’ve done well so far. When the first defeat comes, we have to come back with the same mentality. That’s the most important thing to me.”

Turbulence on the coaching carousel

Alonso managed to ensure that the players did not succumb to the temptation to fall into euphoria. One of them is midfielder Granit Xhaka (31). “Xabi is brutally honest with us. This is very important for us at this stage when everyone is praising us and when we dominate our opponents. It’s not so easy to keep your feet on the ground when you’re constantly hearing how good you are,” Xhaka told Sport Bild.

The German tabloids have been outdoing each other for weeks with reports about Bayer and its conductor. Alonso as Jürgen Klopp’s heir at Liverpool FC? Or as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Bayern? The maestro dismisses the rumors of change with a smile. “That’s no problem for me. I want to be successful with this team. The focus is on my work.”

Hardworking as a teenager, but unremarkable

The description of the Basque could grace the cover of his impressive biography. Xabi and his two brothers grew up on a football field on the city beach of San Sebastián and follow their famous father Periko. He moved as a national player from Real Sociedad to the great FC Barcelona and later returned as a coach. “My biggest role model,” Xabi still says about his father.

As a teenager, however, Xabi does not live up to his father’s reputation. Too thin and shy – not fast and not good at dribbling. Xabi went onto the field. But the love for football ensured that the resistance grew – and with it Xabi. During puberty he covers up his shortcomings with good positional play and shows eye and anticipation. He is diligently raising his profile as a midfield strategist.

Won everything there is to win

Shortly before coming of age, he followed his older brother to Real Sociedad as a professional. His first international match with Spain at the age of 21 – European champion in 2008 and 2012 – and also world champion in between. He played for Liverpool FC and Real Madrid for five years each. He won the Champions League with both clubs. He ended his career at Bayern Munich at the age of 36 and returned home as a three-time German champion.

With him the ideas of former coaches such as Manuel Pellegrini, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. When he returned home, Alonso took over the UEFA Pro license and started as Real Madrid’s U14 coach. After just one season, the coaching apprentice moved to the youth club in San Sebastián. He experimented with Real Sociedad’s reserves in the third division for three years before feeling ready for the big move abroad.

Alonso directs Xhaka like a puppeteer

Bayer Leverkusen will be in crisis in 2022 as the sorcerer’s apprentice takes the risky adventure following the dismissal of Gerardo Seoane. After a difficult start, Alonso actually found the right formula and led the Werkself from a relegation spot to the international ranks. Established top players are extending their contracts – and they have managed to sign Granit Xhaka from Arsenal. With the best recommendation from coach Mikel Arteta – a childhood friend of Xabi Alonso.

The connection creates trust. Xhaka will be the central element in Bayer’s new possession. Alonso sends his leader across the field like a puppeteer. Nati’s captain has never had so much influence on a team at club level. He owes that to Alonso. “I am lucky that I can play in this central midfield position like him. Xabi was one of the best players in the world.”

Still unmistakable: the 42-year-old supports his instructions every day with magical steps. «Xabi always provides important information for certain game situations, positioning and body language. I take a lot from him.” The only question that remains is: who are the better six? No question for Xhaka: “Xabi Alonso – absolutely clear.”

Source : Blick