EXCLUSIVE: German football expert Raphael Honigstein weighs in on former Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso’s promising start as a Bundesliga coach
For a long time, it was almost assumed that Steven Gerrard would eventually succeed Jürgen Klopp at Anfield. The recent meteoric rise of one of his former teammates as a coach, on the other hand, will give the powers that be at Liverpool pause for thought.
It is not hyperbole to say that the eventual departure of the current incumbent of the top job at Liverpool will almost certainly elicit the same strong reaction on Merseyside as Bill Shankly’s departure did nearly half a century ago. Reds fans will be hoping that their charismatic manager stays at Anfield for many years to come, but it would also benefit the club to have a succession plan in place in case the German coach leaves at the end of his current contract in 2026.
Xabi Alonso is one name that Liverpool’s owners may be keeping an eye on for a future vacancy, with the former Kop-favorite having made a significant impression since taking over as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen last October. During his first season in charge, the 41-year-old completely transformed the Bundesliga club’s fortunes and is quickly establishing a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaching prospects.
Following a three-year stint in charge of Real Sociedad’s reserve team, the former midfielder decided to try his hand at senior management, taking over at the Bay Arena with his new club sitting in 17th place in the table. However, seven months later, it is clear that the Spaniard has made a significant impact, with the club now sitting in seventh place in the table — level with sixth-placed Wolfsburg — and having reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they narrowly missed out on a place in the final to José Mourinho’s Roma.
Given their struggles prior to Alonso’s arrival, it was clear that tactical changes would be required to return Die Werkself to winning ways. Raphael Honigstein, a German football expert, spoke exclusively to liverpool.com about how the former Liverpool player has turned things around so quickly.
“It’s actually a little bit too early to say what his football style is because it takes in a lot of different influences from the coaches [he has played under],” he explained.
“The first thing he has done is to stop the bleeding and examine the defensive set-up.” Leverkusen were initially quite defensive and pragmatic, and [used to] play a lot on the break, which is also where they are effective due to their pace up front.
“You can see that he is gradually adding more elements, and I believe a more fully-formed picture will emerge next season after he has had a full pre-season to work with these guys and with one or two changes coming in.”
What has struck Honigstein the most is how the former Real Madrid player has conducted himself on the training field as well as during games, which the journalist witnessed firsthand. As a result, he believes it is only a matter of time before some of Europe’s top clubs express an interest in Leverkusen’s head coach.
“It’s a little early to categorize him tactically and say, ‘he’s that type of manager.'” But it’s not too early to say and can be seen that he has a very strong, natural authority and charisma that the players respect because of what he’s done [in the game] and how he acts.
“Even small things like playing on the field on a regular basis and showing them how to do things are quite impressive.”
“I was fortunate to see him in training, and he’s also someone who I believe many clubs can see as a potential leader or figurehead for their club because he’s so suave, multilingual, and has so much experience working at some of the world’s biggest clubs.” It is not an exaggeration to say that he will go very, very far — the only question for me is how quickly!”
Earlier this month, Alonso faced his former coach Mourinho in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final between Leverkusen and AS Roma, with the latter winning 1-0 at home — the Italian side would advance to the final after the second leg ended goalless. Honigstein attended the first match at the Stadio Olimpico and was impressed by Alonso’s touchline presence as well as his post-game press conference.
“During the game, you could see that he was very calm,” he recalled. He appeared to belong on that stage, which he obviously does because he has played in and won the biggest games possible, whether that’s the Super Bowl or the World Cup.
“During the game, you could see that he was very calm,” he recalled. He looked like he belonged on that stage, which he obviously does because he has played in and won the biggest games possible, whether it’s the World Cup or the Champions League.
“He didn’t appear to be intimidated by the occasion or by [facing] José Mourinho on the other side, who tends to do very well in cup competitions.” He performed admirably in the post-match interview, framing the second leg in a positive light and attempting to take control of the narrative.
“He’s doing everything you’d expect from a great manager.” I believe he will have learned a lot of lessons from the [coaches he has worked with] because he has learned so much from them. He’s now putting them into action, and it’s a fascinating journey to follow!”
Alonso has recently been linked with a move to managerless Tottenham Hotspur, but the former midfield maestro appears to have dropped out of contention to replace Antonio Conte earlier this month. He distanced himself from the post, saying, “Rumors are normal, but we still have a lot to accomplish.” That’s why my head has been completely here for the last few months. And my mind is fully prepared for next season.”
For the time being, Honigstein believes Alonso will concentrate on developing as a coach in the Bundesliga, away from the pressures that come with taking over at a top Premier League or Champions League club.
“I think he’ll be very smart and take a measured approach and stay at Leverkusen for at least one more season, test himself — ideally in the Champions League if they win the Europa League, which would be a huge achievement — and learn the trade at a club that isn’t too pressurized but has a lot of potential,” he said.
“Then [he] may position himself to be ready to take over at a genuine super club.” Then I believe Real Madrid, Liverpool, and a few others will be in contention very soon.”
If he continues his rise as a coach over the next few seasons, the former Anfield hero’s services may be in high demand in the coming years. Klopp will undoubtedly remain at Liverpool for the foreseeable future, but Alonso’s rise is something to keep an eye on.
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