Xabi Alonso: 500 Days of History

The Beginning

Born in a town in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Tolosa, Xabi Alonso has always been an avid follower of Real Sociedad. He completed his dream and broke through to the first team of La Real in the early days of 2000. In a span of five years from 1999 to 2004, he made a total of 124 appearances for his beloved club.

Since then, he has completed quite a magnificent career, having won the biggest titles with some of the biggest clubs within Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the prestigious FIFA World Cup with Spain.

Xabi Alonso started his managerial career back in his hometown with Real Sociedad’s B team. In his second year of managing, he successfully led his team to the second division of LaLiga, a massive achievement considering he was working with a very young and inexperienced team. Instant success.

Despite Real Sociedad B's inability to maintain their position in LaLiga 2, Alonso found himself flooded with offers. German club Borussia Mönchengladbach was among the earliest first-division teams interested in him, even making a formal approach in the middle of the season. Nevertheless, Alonso declined, saying, 'No, thank you. I am flattered, but it is way too early,' and even went as far as extending his contract with Real Sociedad B.

When the 2021/2022 season ended, he felt it was the right time to move on. Bayer Leverkusen, who had been observing his development, made an offer after their horrendous start to the new season. Alonso accepted the job, and the rest is, well, history.

The Perfect Journey

Xabi Alonso’s arrival in Leverkusen was one of the most anticipated things in world football. Alonso, along with his Spanish compatriots Xavi Hernández and Mikel Arteta, have been among the most exciting young managers currently in the game.

Bayer Leverkusen, who were sitting in 17th place before Alonso took over, made possibly one of the greatest decisions in the history of football. Their bet paid off as Bayer Leverkusen, as of the time we are writing this article, have been unbeaten for 44 games straight. Yes, you read that right.

From a team that were once nicknamed Neverkusen, infamous for 'bottling' all major trophies in the early 2000s, Bayer Leverkusen have transformed into an unstoppable juggernaut. Most importantly though, they are achieving this with the utmost elegance, showcasing one of the most attractive playstyles you are likely to witness from any team in the world right now.

A footballing personnel like Xabi Alonso, with all of his recent achievements, is rightfully gathering a lot of attention, especially from his fellow professionals.

"The next generation (of managers) is already here, and I would say Xabi is the standout of that generation. He is a former world-class player, he comes from a family of coaches, and he was already a bit like a coach when he was playing. The football his team is playing, how they position themselves, and the signings he has made… it is absolutely exceptional," Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"His team is so well-oiled, in such a short time. He has left his mark on it," the German added.

Klopp described Xabi Alonso in an inch-perfect manner; his background, his way of thinking, and his skillsets—it’s almost as if he was born for the sport.

Since Xabi Alonso assumed control at Bayer Leverkusen over 500 days ago, the club has embarked on a remarkable journey marked by historic milestones. Their recent 5-0 victory against Werder Bremen sealed their first-ever Bundesliga title, ending a decade-long reign of dominance by Bayern Munich. This triumph not only solidifies Bayer Leverkusen's place in football history but also represents a significant turning point in the Bundesliga lore.

Xabi Alonso has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to continue his managerial journey at Die Werkself. However, after such a historical season, numerous clubs are queueing to beg for his signature.

Liverpool, especially, may see Alonso as a fitting successor to Jürgen Klopp following his decision to part ways at the end of the season. Bayern Munich, where Alonso enjoyed the twilight of his career, are also keeping a close eye on their former player. Meanwhile, perennial giants Real Madrid remain silent but are undoubtedly monitoring the situation.

While it would be poetic for Alonso to return to one of his former clubs, there is a certain allure to the idea of him prolonging his journey at Bayer Leverkusen and potentially achieving even greater success.

Alternatively, the thought of him returning to his hometown club Real Sociedad in Donostia adds another layer of intrigue. Given his known passion for the club, the mutual respect between them, as well as the limitless potential Real Sociedad possess, Alonso's return could lead to remarkable achievements, potentially surpassing even the success seen at Bayer Leverkusen.

Ultimately, only time will reveal where Xabi Alonso's journey will continue, but his decision is sure to shape the landscape of European football.

Written & Posted by The Sweepr on 25/04/24

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