Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
Alonso said: ‘There are some people who just fit a particular place or role. Jürgen understood Liverpool, landed on his feet at the perfect club for him in terms of his personality, his football vision. That’s why he’s unleashed this great energy. Not just because they’ve won but for how Liverpool do things, how they play, what their attitude is like. His communication skills mean players will do anything for him.”
Change Klopp to Alonso, Liverpool to Leverkusen, and the picture is identical. The latter is deploying all the skills and virtues he admired in the German manager. We marvel at the new Bundesliga champions’ verve, style and indefatigability; their setting of one of the longest and most impressive unbeaten records anywhere in modern European football; the exponential progress of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, all under 24; their ability to win either fluently or from a losing position; and the complete transformation of a club culture now reshaped in the coach’s image.
This latter achievement is the impossibly difficult task which echoes the managerial greats. With Alonso having knocked Bayern “off their perch”, it’s hardly surprising Bayern reacted to their need for a new coach from summer 2024 by gently enquiring if Alonso fancied rejoining the club where he claimed three Bundesligas. The answer: “I’m very happy in Leverkusen, I’m staying with Bayer 04 next season.”
Further proof of Alonso’s special nature: he has always, will always, follow his own path, not the so-called obvious one, nor the most lucrative. Then he’ll make that path look like it was actually the obvious one all along. The brand of football that has taken Leverkusen back to the Champions League has been based on fundamentals like an attacking 3-4-2-1 with the ball, often converting to 5-3-2 without it; an emphasis on fast intelligent transitions after recovering the ball; and an ability to construct and play out from the back – not hugely different from the concepts Pep Guardiola holds essential. Above all, a philosophy that football is best performed when you win your one-v-ones; that it should be thrilling, rapid and daring.
What it’s going to be next season will reflect the coach’s personality – ever-evolving, bright, competitive and, typically, one step ahead of the rest. Stand by, everybody: Hier kommt Xabi!
Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
Alonso said: ‘There are some people who just fit a particular place or role. Jürgen understood Liverpool, landed on his feet at the perfect club for him in terms of his personality, his football vision. That’s why he’s unleashed this great energy. Not just because they’ve won but for how Liverpool do things, how they play, what their attitude is like. His communication skills mean players will do anything for him.”
Change Klopp to Alonso, Liverpool to Leverkusen, and the picture is identical. The latter is deploying all the skills and virtues he admired in the German manager. We marvel at the new Bundesliga champions’ verve, style and indefatigability; their setting of one of the longest and most impressive unbeaten records anywhere in modern European football; the exponential progress of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, all under 24; their ability to win either fluently or from a losing position; and the complete transformation of a club culture now reshaped in the coach’s image.
This latter achievement is the impossibly difficult task which echoes the managerial greats. With Alonso having knocked Bayern “off their perch”, it’s hardly surprising Bayern reacted to their need for a new coach from summer 2024 by gently enquiring if Alonso fancied rejoining the club where he claimed three Bundesligas. The answer: “I’m very happy in Leverkusen, I’m staying with Bayer 04 next season.”
Further proof of Alonso’s special nature: he has always, will always, follow his own path, not the so-called obvious one, nor the most lucrative. Then he’ll make that path look like it was actually the obvious one all along. The brand of football that has taken Leverkusen back to the Champions League has been based on fundamentals like an attacking 3-4-2-1 with the ball, often converting to 5-3-2 without it; an emphasis on fast intelligent transitions after recovering the ball; and an ability to construct and play out from the back – not hugely different from the concepts Pep Guardiola holds essential. Above all, a philosophy that football is best performed when you win your one-v-ones; that it should be thrilling, rapid and daring.
What it’s going to be next season will reflect the coach’s personality – ever-evolving, bright, competitive and, typically, one step ahead of the rest. Stand by, everybody: Hier kommt Xabi!
Everyone knew Xabi Alonso was a ‘coach in boots’. Born into a football family and a player who could not only ‘do it’ but could also understand it, explain it, and command team-mates’ loyalty.
The Basque midfielder, whether in Spain, England or Germany, always showed unremitting standards, hunger and intelligence, not to mention a privileged football vision and thunderously competitive streak.
But while Leverkusen already had Spanish influence in their ranks, helping explain their leap of faith when asking Alonso to help arrest an alarming dip at the start of the 2022/23 season, the Bundesliga club clearly also spotted the seismic, catalytic effect that the Spaniard had worked throughout his career. Indeed, if they dared to dream that Alonso might make Die Werkself a force, it’s because he had something transformative about him.
A magisterial presence in Real Sociedad’s midfield, aged 21, he helped the Txuri-Urdin to second in La Liga in 2002/03 – the closest they’d been to the title since back-to-back championships secured in the early 1980s – with his father Periko in midfield! Then, with Liverpool, remember Alonso’s role and goal in that epic comeback against AC Milan that the Reds staged in Istanbul? It was the Reds’ first European Cup title in 21 years. Real Madrid hadn’t lifted the trophy they covet most since 2002, a barren spell by their ridiculously high standards. Sign the Basque and, hey presto, Carlo Ancelotti’s team capture ‘La Décima’ – their tenth European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
Then there’s Spain. No European title since 1964, but with Alonso decorating the midfield, La Roja won EURO 2008 and promptly followed up with a first-ever World Cup. And before we mention his latest alchemy with Leverkusen, consider that in 2021 Alonso led Real Sociedad B (or Sanse) to promotion to Spain’s Second Division; the first time they’d been there for 59 years.
CClearly no respecter of history, he has guided Leverkusen to their first German title in his first full Bundesliga campaign. Kudos to his employers. When he renewed his contract last August, sporting director Simon Rolfes said: “When we chose Xabi there was scepticism. He was a coach without experience leading an elite club. But I was convinced!”
Knowing him, at least interviewing him, is a pleasure… and a challenge. Do your research, don’t assume anything, ask sharp, well-constructed questions – win his respect. The last time I interviewed this remarkable individual, who has powered Die Schwarzroten back to Europe’s top table, he was still coaching Sanse. The subject of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool came up and Xabi used words which, in retrospect, chime with the very impact he’s having at the BayArena.
