Xabi Alonso: Enthralled by His Coaching Destiny

Hello and warm welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics take center stage:

1. ⚽Xabi Alonso - From Player to Coach

2. ❓Survey Game Analysis

⚽Xabi Alonso - From Player to Coach

World champion, European champion, Champions League winner – what an impressive career Xabi Alonso can boast! But as if that weren't enough, he now leads his team at Bayer Leverkusen undefeated at the top of the table as a coach. The Werkself is the only team in the top 5 European leagues that has not lost a single game! What an achievement!

A look at the statistics reveals that Leverkusen is definitely exceeding and outperforming all expectations this season. However, we know that the season is far from over, and anything can still happen. It seems that everything Alonso attempts is currently succeeding, and I am convinced that he and his team are primarily responsible for this success. Yet, the challenge lies in maintaining internal calm and humility within the club, understanding that replicating such a performance may be difficult. Alonso is still relatively young in this business, and there will undoubtedly be a phase where things may not go as smoothly. Nevertheless, I am confident that he will handle it well.

Xabi Alonso's Career Path

In my opinion, Alonso's transition to coaching was not a mere coincidence. Let's delve into his active playing career to understand where he drew inspiration and who influenced him on his journey to becoming a coach.

The fascinating journey began at Real Sociedad. In 1999, Xabi Alonso made his debut in a Copa del Rey match against Logrones. During the 2002-03 season, under the guidance of coach Raynald Denoueix, they achieved an impressive second-place finish in the league, consequently qualifying for the Champions League. His standout performances garnered international attention.

In 2004, the famous move to FC Liverpool took place, a club that had just appointed Rafael Benitez as its new head coach. In his very first season, Xabi Alonso helped Liverpool secure the Champions League title. Over the subsequent years, he also clinched the FA Cup, the FA Community Shield, and the UEFA Super Cup with the team.

On August 5, 2009, he made a £3 million move to Real Madrid. The coach at that time was Manuel Pellegrini. Under Pellegrini, they finished the season with a record-breaking 96 points, securing the second spot, while Barcelona won the season with a 3-point lead. In 2011, Jose Mourinho was introduced as the new coach in Madrid. With Mourinho, Alonso won the Spanish Cup and the league title in the 2011-12 season. In 2014, there was another coaching change at the club, and Carlo Ancelotti took charge. Alonso extended his contract for two more years until 2016 and, under Ancelotti, once again won the Spanish Cup and, for the second time in his career, the Champions League.

Then came the move to Bayern Munich, which was coached by Pep Guardiola at the time. Alonso was a desired player for Guardiola and immediately showcased his brilliance with his performances. With Bayern, he secured three Bundesliga championships, the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), and the DFL-Supercup. In March 2017, he officially announced his retirement from professional football.

International Career:

At just 21 years old, Xabi Alonso entered the grand stage of international football in 2003, making his debut for the Spanish national team under then-coach Inaki Saez. A dynamic era unfolded when Luis Aragones later took charge of the Furia Roja. Under his leadership, Alonso secured triumph at the 2008 European Championship, a pinnacle in his playing career. However, the summit of his success came in 2010 when Alonso, under coach Vicente del Bosque, won the World Cup with the Spanish national team. And as if that weren't impressive enough, another triumph followed just two years later at the European Championship. Following an early exit in the 2014 World Cup, Xabi Alonso ultimately retired from the national team.

This captivating journey through international competitions not only highlights Alonso's outstanding performances on the grand stage but also showcases his ability to deliver excellence under different coaches and in various competitions. It is truly a legendary chapter of his career that has solidified his place in football history.

Trainereinflüsse:

In a unique manner, his coaches influenced him, providing valuable insights that he has carried into his own coaching career. Becoming a coach seemed almost like destiny for him. This calling runs in his blood – his father was not only a successful player but also a respected coach. Additionally, Alonso, as a midfielder, is predisposed for the role of a head coach. In the midfield, one must act tactically astutely, serving as the link between defense and offense.

Through various influences, Xabi Alonso has developed his own unique style of play, naturally shaped by the individual abilities of his players in the squad. Nonetheless, it is evident that Alonso has learned from his diverse experiences. His team, following Bayern Munich, maintains the second-highest ball possession in the Bundesliga.

Bayer Leverkusen has compiled an impressive 405 open play sequences of 10 or more passes, surpassing every other team. The average length of these sequences, at 4.96 passes per sequence, is also higher than that of all other teams.

Additionally, Alonso places great emphasis on the defensive aspect and has tailored it optimally to his team. For instance, he tends to defend with a back five – a tactic that could be seen as influenced, perhaps, by Mourinho.

For neutral football enthusiasts, the ongoing season could offer a captivating narrative if Bayer Leverkusen indeed secures the championship title, thus ending Bayern Munich's impressive 11-year reign. Such a triumph would not only have immense implications for the balance of power but would also elevate the Bundesliga with an exciting twist, undoubtedly providing for a thrilling football season.

❓Survey Game Analysis

Stay tuned for our latest game analysis, set to be released this Friday! Which of the following two games would you prefer us to analyze before Friday? Share your opinion with us!

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