SUMMARY
- Real Madrid is not the only club that is chasing Xabi Alonso.
- Amid growing speculation about Pep Guardiola's future, Manchester City is reportedly eyeing the Spanish manager as well.
Xabi Alonso is one of the hottest names in the soccer world now. The Bayer Leverkusen manager created history recently by winning the first-ever Bundesliga in the German club’s history.
The Spaniard has impressed many soccer enthusiasts with his dominant way of playing the sport. Moreover, the results on the pitch have alerted many clubs in Europe, making Xabi Alonso one of the most sought-after managers in the world.
🚨 NEW: Man City want Xabi Alonso as their new coach if Pep Guardiola doesn’t renew. Real Madrid are interested as well. @diarioas #rmalive 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/3tB19pwj6Q
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 20, 2024
Amongst the heavily linked clubs are the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool. However, an interesting name has popped up, which might entice Xabi Alonso.
Reportedly, Manchester City have identified the Spaniard as the successor to Pep Guardiola. ‘The Cityzens’ could be plotting a move for the former FC Bayern Munich player if Pep doesn’t extend his contract. The 53-year-old has a contract with Man City until 2025.
Moreover, Xabi Alonso has promised that he will not leave Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, making him a hot target for ‘The Cityzens’ in 2025, when his release clause gets activated. While comparing the tactics between Xabi Alonso and Pep Guardiola, one could say that the Leverkusen manager might fit well at City.
Manchester City faces tough competition for Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid
‘Los Blancos’ poses a great threat to Manchester City’s hopes to appoint Xabi as their next manager. The Spanish club is actively monitoring the Spaniard’s work at Bayer Leverkusen. Moreover, Xabi Alonso being a former Real Madrid player, gives ‘Los Blancos’ an added advantage.
🚨⚪️ Bayer Leverkusen CEO Carro: “I have no doubts. One day, Xavi Alonso will be Real Madrid manager. No doubts at all, zero doubts!”.
“The only doubt is when he will sign for Real Madrid”.
“But it will happen, trust me. I am sure”, told @ellarguero. pic.twitter.com/CU1nY6c8dR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2024
Even the Bayer Leverkusen board is aware of Real Madrid’s interest in the 42-year-old. Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has mentioned that he sees Xabi managing ‘Los Blancos’ one day. Fernando said, “I have no doubts. One day, Xavi Alonso will be Real Madrid manager. No doubts at all, zero doubts!”
It seems that people around Xabi Alonso might have already known about the Spaniard’s dream of managing Real Madrid one day. Under such circumstances, Manchester City’s dream of having Xabi Alonso at the Etihad Stadium might be far-fetched.
Xabi Alonso and Pep Guardiola have a similar philosophy about soccer
The two managers like their team to have the ball for the majority of the game. Both Pep and Xabi Alonso thrive on individual brilliance to a certain extent as well, therefore, giving plenty of freedom to its players. Moreover, Xabi Alonso had played under Pep Guardiola at FC Bayern Munich, where the former might have learned a thing or two regarding soccer management.
Hence, there are a lot of similarities between the playing styles of the current Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen teams. Both the teams contain a traditional number 9, who has great physical prowess and finishing in the form of Erling Haaland and Victor Boniface.
The midfielders of City and Leverkusen too have similar profiles. Both Phil Foden and Florian Wirtz play in a very advanced role as compared to a midfielder, providing directness to the attack. While a midfielder like Granit Xhaka and Rodri dictate the game with ease.
Moreover, both Guardiola and Xabi love to have their full-backs become integral parts of their team, giving them excessive freedom to venture forward. Hence, the Manchester City team should not find it tough to adapt to Xabi Alonso’s tactics, given his similarity to Pep Guardiola.
However, the club needs to be swift in its perusal of Xabi Alonso, amidst growing competition for the Spaniard. It would be interesting to see how the future of the Spaniard unfolds.