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42 unbeaten games, zero losses, and on the verge of winning the treble- Xabi Alonso did just that for Bayer Leverkusen, by stealing the tactical genius of Mourinho, Guardiola, and Benitez into one revolutionary coaching strategy.
But how did a man just a year into his top-flight managerial career turn a struggling squad into Europe's most formidable force? Let's dive in to uncover the tactical theft and the revolution in football brought by "The Manager" Xabi Alonso.
Trained By Legendary Mentors
Xabi Alonso was a midfield maestro! He was soaked in wisdom under football's finest - Guardiola, Mourinho, Ancelotti, and Benitez. He cleverly absorbed invaluable strategies from these managers disguised as a footballer, refining his own approach to take his managerial game to the next level.
With a playing career glittered with 14 trophies and pivotal roles in Spain's golden era, Alonso's transition from player to coach was destiny. But it's not just the silverware; it's the intricate lessons from each mentor, blended perfectly into his unique coaching philosophy.
Rafael Benitez at Liverpool (2004-2009) provided Alonso with the foundations of his tactical education.
Benitez's philosophy was simple: "Football is a game of mistakes, and he who makes the fewest wins," emphasizing tactical discipline and preparation, qualities that he deeply ingrained in Alonso during their time at Liverpool.
Benitez at Liverpool was the tactician, a master of preparation. "Rafa was meticulous. He believed in the power of information, that knowing your enemy was as crucial as knowing your game," Alonso reflected. Under Benitez, Alonso learned the value of strategic foresight, a discipline that he would carry into his coaching career.
Under Benitez, Alonso's role was crucial! The Spaniard was the team's strategic mastermind, blending defensive diligence with creative prowess. Benitez's reliance on Alonso for tactical discipline and creativity in midfield underscored his growing reputation as one of football's most intelligent players.
He even credited Benitez with instilling a deep tactical awareness, stating, "Rafa’s attention to detail was unparalleled. He prepared us for every scenario, which was crucial in our Champions League run.”
Benitez's Liverpool, characterized by its strong defensive organization and strategic counter-attacks, won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006. The 2005 final in Istanbul saw Alonso scoring the crucial equalizing goal, a moment that encapsulated his impact on the field.
Under the legendary José Mourinho at Real Madrid (2010-2013), Alonso was crucial in a system designed to dismantle the seemingly invincible Barcelona.
Mourinho was the pragmatist at Real Madrid. He believed in the power of the counter and the psychological edge. His football was a game of chess played at lightning speed.
"José taught us that the game is won in the moments you don't have the ball as much as when you do," Alonso reminisced.
Mourinho saw in Alonso not just a player but a future general in the art of football warfare, once stating, "Xabi understands football in a way that few players do. He sees things others don't, before they happen."
Mourinho's Madrid, characterized by its quick transitions and lethal counter-attacks, ended Barcelona's La Liga dominance by winning the title in the 2011-2012 season with a record 100 points.
Mourinho utilized Alonso's keen vision and precision passing to control the midfield and pivot defense into attack swiftly. The importance of Alonso's role was such that, after his departure in 2014, it took two players, Casemiro and Toni Kroos, to fill the void he left-a testament to his impact and understanding of Mourinho’s tactical demands.
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