Xabi Alonso has been making waves with his managerial success at Bayer Leverkusen, a development that may not surprise Jose Mourinho.
The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder has guided Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, a position they hold four points ahead of Bayern Munich, with an unbeaten record so far this season.
Alonso, who is in his first managerial role, has received widespread praise for his achievements. Despite being only 42 years old, he has already been linked with top managerial positions, including at clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
Mourinho, who coached Alonso during his time at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, foresaw his potential as a top manager. Mourinho’s prediction seems to be coming true as Alonso continues to impress in his coaching career.
An interview from four years ago has gone viral, in which the Roma boss revealed Mourinho’s prediction about Xabi Alonso’s managerial potential.
“Xabi has conditions to be a very good coach.”
Fans took to Twitter to praise Mourinho’s prescient prediction about Xabi Alonso’s managerial potential, with many expressing their agreement.
As one said:
“He’s so good in analysis. Special one for a reason.”
While another put:
“That’s why Mou will remain to be the GOAT.”
Then a third fan added:
“Mourinho is the goat for a reason, this man’s footballing brain is great and he knows when a great player will take that next step above…”
Alonso’s pedigree for management runs deep in his family, with his father Periko having been both a player and a manager.
Periko achieved significant success, winning La Liga twice with Real Sociedad and once with Barcelona. He later coached several lower league Spanish sides before returning to Sociedad to conclude his managerial career.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Xabi Alonso has made a seamless transition from player to manager.
The former World Cup winner, who had a distinguished career playing for clubs like Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, retired from playing in 2017.
Since then, he has been making waves in the managerial arena.
Alonso took over as manager of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and quickly made an impact, guiding the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
However, they were eliminated by Mourinho’s Roma side in the previous season.
Currently, Alonso is leading Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, showcasing his potential to be a successful manager at the highest level.
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