Xabi Alonso coaching style, tactics, preferred formation: Is the Bayer Leverkusen boss right for Real Madrid?
With legendary Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti likely departing to lead the Brazil national team after the 2023/24 European season concludes, Los Blancos are beginning to hunt for his successor.
Ancelotti has been in charge of Madrid since 2021, providing a steady presence at the helm while leading the club to a number of titles in the process.
With his departure, president Florentino Perez must find his replacement, and the appointment comes with significant pressure on both sides as Perez must bridge the gap successfully without drop-off, while the new manager will have huge shoes to fill.
Reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who is inexperienced at the top level but has seen instant success leading the German club, could be a leading candidate for the position. Given his exceptional career as a player and the trophies he won with Real Madrid and Spain, he would certainly seem to be a popular candidate among fans. But is he ready?
The Sporting News brings you all you need to know about how the former Liverpool midfielder manages and how he's performed in charge of the Bundesliga side.
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In his short time at Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has largely utilised a 3-4-2-1 formation, which is overloaded to one side. In possession, this results in one wing-back dropping into the back line, while the wing-back on the opposite side pushes high like a winger, leaving that side's centre-back to play a full-back role.
Twenty-two-year-old Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong has thrived in the elevated role, becoming a true attacking force to help the team transition forward.
Alonso has organised his build-up to invite pressure to spring their attack,
Read on sportingnews.com
