Xabi Alonso, former star of Cheap Liverpool Football Jerseys For Kids
and Real Madrid, synonymous with elegance and control in midfield, has opened a new chapter in his soccer career: coaching.
His coaching philosophy is a fascinating blend of influences, honed under the tutelage of some of the best strategists in the game. Having played under Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, Alonso has a unique perspective on different styles of play. This rich tapestry of experience informs his approach on the touchline, where he prioritizes a possession-based, fast-paced system.
A mix of possession and pace
Alonso's teams are all about ball control. They like to dominate possession and use compact triangles to move the ball around the pitch effectively. However, their obsession with possession does not translate into sterile, lateral passing. There is a clear emphasis on verticality, with direct passes aimed at unlocking the opposition defense. As Granit Xhaka, a key player under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, explains: "The coach wants us to keep the ball, but possession doesn't mean going right to left. We have to look for our strikers and we know the quality in front of us."
The threat of the counterattack
Although Alonso's teams prioritize possession, they also possess a potent counterattacking weapon. When they win the ball back, they focus on aggressive transitions. Players are trained to capitalize on loose balls and launch quick attacks toward the opposing goal. This approach reflects the influence of coaches like Mourinho, who instilled in his teams a relentless counterattacking philosophy.
Flexibility is key
One of Alonso's strengths as a coach is tactical flexibility. He does not stick to a single rigid formation. For the 2023-24 season, Alonso's preferred formation is a 3-4-2-1 with three center backs, full backs, a double pivot in midfield and a trident, but he is also willing to experiment with formations such as 4-3-3 and 3-4-3. This adaptability allows him to tailor the team to his needs. This adaptability allows him to tailor his tactics to his team's strengths and exploit his opponents' weaknesses. In an interview, Alonso stressed the importance of this flexibility: "I want the players to be stimulated by different things and not be limited to knowing what to do in one situation ........ In different situations, if you start with two center backs or three center backs, it's a completely different situation."
A coach in the making
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen was Xabi Alonso's first managerial position. He was appointed on October 5, 2022, replacing Gerardo Seoane.
Prior to that, Alonso had worked as a coach in the youth ranks of the Cheap Real Madrid Football Jerseys For Kids before taking over as coach of Real Sociedad B in Spain's Segunda División B.
Xabi Alonso's coaching career is still in its early stages, but the early signs are very promising. His ability to combine possession play with quick counterattacks, along with his willingness to adapt formations, make him an exciting prospect. Drawing inspiration from the tactical brilliance of his former coaches, he is forging his own style on the wing. With his tactical knowledge, leadership skills and experience as a world-class player, Xabi Alonso is on his way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of soccer management.
