Xabi Alonso Names Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool Icons in His ‘Ideal Manager’

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is undoubtedly the rising star in European football coaching. Recently, he turned down offers from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, a rare feat that has only heightened expectations that he might be the next manager at Real Madrid once Carlo Ancelotti leaves.

Alonso’s impressive coaching pedigree is built on the foundation of his experiences under top managers during his playing career at clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Eibar, Real Sociedad, and with the Spanish national team. When asked by Movistar+ about the qualities he would take from his former coaches, Alonso highlighted the vast array of influences that have shaped his approach.

“I have learned a lot from all my coaches and have integrated these lessons into my own coaching style,” Alonso said. “Rafa [Benitez] is all about football tactics: how to fit in, how to help, what to do. Pep [Guardiola] tells you, ‘We are going to play like this, and this is going to happen.’ From Mourinho, I take his strength and intelligence in communication. From Luis [Aragones], I learned the importance of conviction and being able to define what you want. [Vicente] Del Bosque taught me to worry the right amount about the things that matter. Ancelotti excelled at conveying the essence of good football and what we needed to do.”

Describing himself as a chameleonic manager, Alonso attributes his adaptability to his diverse experiences in different leagues and countries.

“You mold yourself based on your influences,” he told Marca. “You identify with one person, with another, but always within your character.” Alonso also formed a special connection with Jose Mourinho during his time at Real Madrid, particularly in their competition against Guardiola’s Barcelona. “I defended Mourinho because I have always defended all my coaches,” he added.

Alonso’s strategy has certainly proven successful so far. While many predicted he would excel as a manager, few expected his rapid rise after leaving Real Sociedad B two seasons ago. Now, Alonso is set to lead Leverkusen into the Champions League next season and has a strong chance of returning to Spain, where all but two of the managers he admires hail from.