“He’s taking Leverkusen upwards” – Alex Grimaldo explains why Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will take them ‘to the top’

Bayer Leverkusen are 4 points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga. The feat is in itself a big achievement. However, Xabi Alonso‘s exploits with the Die Werkself do not end there. It has only been a little over a year since Alonso took charge at the club. A side used to being top 6 contenders suddenly finds themselves going head-to-head with Bayern Munich and Dortmund for the Bundesliga title.

Leverkusen star Álex Grimaldo has spoken about the Spanish coach and has given fans a peek into the manager’s style and strengths. Grimaldo said that Alonso is driven by passion.

For Xabi, every training session and every single detail is important. He knows how to make the players understand and gives them a lot of confidence.

Alex Grimaldo on Xabi Alonso

Grimaldo also praised the manager for the way he conveyed his ideas to the squad.

Furthermore, Grimaldo himself is currently going through a ‘purple patch’, having scored 9 goals and 4 assists from 20 matches across all competitions. He also listed out his motivation to play under the ‘new’ manager.

I really wanted to work for him, given the player he was. 

Europe has also started to take notice of Alonso, with several big clubs expressing their interest in signing the manager.

Alex Grimaldo was not done yet, and further added,

He inspires us everyday with his passion and ideas. He's taking Leverkusen upwards. 

With each passing matchday, Leverkusen keep winning and solidifying their hold on the top spot. There’s nothing the rest of Europe can do but to try and stop them.

Bundesliga title contenders: How Xabi Alonso forged a new ‘superteam’

After 15 games in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen are top of the table. Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich have been forced to step aside for Leverkusen and their former player Xabi Alonso. After just 14 months in charge, Leverkusen looks like a completely different side from what it used to be. His mastermind has seen Leverkusen go from as low as 17th spot to currently being at the top of the table.

As far as tactics are concerned, the Spaniard normally sticks to a 3-4-2-1 style, but alternates between a 3-5-2 and a 5-3-2 as well. In terms of positional play, the latest signing Granit Xhaka plays a crucial role in Alonso’s squad. With emphasis on ‘keeping the ball’, the Swiss midfielder is constantly on the lookout for a pass and opens himself up to provide options.

Leverkusen function with 5 players covering the goal and 5 players attacking. This calls for greater options while attacking and also helps to create overloads in potentially threatening areas. At the forefront of Alonso’s attack is Victor Okoh Boniface. The 22-year-old Nigerian has been deadly up front, scoring 15 goals and 8 assists in 22 games.

The club is also deadly on the counter, with Florian Wirtz and Jonas Hoffman providing that extra ‘flair’ to overcome opponents. So far, no club in the Bundesliga have managed to get the better of Leverkusen, with zero losses and just 3 draws since the start of the season. The club looks all the more likely to go all the way this season. Alex Grimaldo and Exequiel Palacios have also assumed important roles in Alonso’s squad.

What next for Xabi Alonso?

Europe has taken notice of Xabi Alonso. With just 14 months under his belt at his first senior coaching position, Alonso is yet to realize his goal of lifting silverware with the club. As it stands, both the Bundesliga and UEFA Europa League offer realistic opportunities to do so. Further down the road, Alonso may consider leaving Leverkusen for a top European club if the offer presents itself.

It is no secret that Alonso has expressed his desire to coach his former club Real Madrid in the past. Even though he made it clear that no such plans are in place at the moment, Carlo Ancelotti‘s departure from Real may open the way for the Spaniard. Moreover, a ‘special’ agreement in place with Leverkusen management may see Alonso depart the BayArena soon.

Even though Alonso extended his contract with Leverkusen until 2026, a special clause in his contract states that he can leave if a former club shows interest. This list includes Real Madrid, Liverpool, and even Bayern Munich. However, Alonso has made sure to dismiss any such rumors that have been presented to him.

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