Liverpool Idol Xabi Alonso Can Still Play—Now Xabi The Boss Is Set To Shine

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has earned some of his managerial stripes as head coach at Real Sociedad’s B team in Spain, has done enough to pique the interest of some prominent clubs around Europe.

Champions League side Bayer Leverkusen needs fresh impetus, with Gerardo Seoane struggling in the job, and is seemingly willing to take a punt on Alonso, with Marca reporting that he’s virtually signed (Spanish) after agreeing to make the next step in his career.

Compared to his well-known endeavors as a player—which included successful periods with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich—Alonso’s coaching exploits have gone somewhat under the radar since retiring professionally from the pitch.

Wherever he washes up, Alonso seems like a gamble for many an elite side, given his lack of coaching pedigree at the top level. But there are signs it could be a genius move due to his smooth development from a renowned player to a promising leader from the dugout.

Leverkusen would be a steep but achievable jump for the Spaniard. And if his next gig works out, more renowned names will be keen further down the line. In the meantime, the German club represents a project that would give him experience in a respected league, yet without the same pressure and harsh spotlight common at the heavyweight sides.

Alonso saw his Sociedad B squad relegated from the Segunda division last campaign. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the second-string side was competing against teams familiar to La Liga, like Sporting Gijón and promoted Almería, meaning it was not the best barometer to test his coaching credentials.

Sociedad’s youth teams have an excellent reputation—like many Basque sides in Spain—for developing local players. Some graduates from the second side include midfielder Robert Navarro, drafted into the first team squad this season. Further back, Martin Zubimendi has staked a claim after progressing through the ranks previously.

Alonso is a good fit for those clubs aiming to improve the youth setup to achieve long-term success. And especially in the midfield. A steady presence in the center during his playing days, equipped with an enviable passing range, the San Sebastián-born man has the credentials to bolster squads in those areas.

He makes for a hands-on manager too. Anyone who caught a glimpse of the 40-year-old in a Liverpool charity game last month will know he still has a feel for the game, with his appreciation for space and teammates something that will never die.

After the match, he joked about returning to the pitch. While he is more than capable, he knows he has other skills to offer.