Champagne corks popped inside the Bayer Leverkusen locker room as they celebrated their historic Bundesliga triumph. Ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year-old streak, they successfully claimed their first-ever domestic silverware. Leading this incredible accomplishment is Xabi Alonso, who continues to garner worldwide praise. While some may have doubted the Spaniard’s ability to succeed as a manager, deep down, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho knew Alonso would become a ‘very good coach.’

Before his managerial heroics, it all began for Alonso during his playing days. Having represented the best clubs under the most iconic managers, the former midfielder learned the ropes to shape his remarkable mind. It was during his time at Munich under Pep that the current Manchester City boss foresaw Alonso’s future success as a coach. In 2017, Guardiola once remarked, “Xabi Alonso is one of the best midfield players I have ever seen in my life. He will return as a coach and I bet he will be a good coach.”

Mourinho can also be considered a foreteller of Alonso’s coaching career. In an interview with the Top eleven in 2019, ‘The Special One’ related himself to the former Real Sociedad man, asserting that Xabi grew up with his father, Periko Alonso, who was a renowned player and coach. While backing him as a ‘top player’ who had high knowledge of the game, Mourinho said, “He was coached by Guardiola in Bayern; by myself in Real Madrid; by Ancelotti in Real Madrid; and by Benítez in Liverpool. So I think if you put all this together, I think Xabi has the conditions to be a very good coach.”

Indeed, it’s quite interesting how the two legendary managers knew what Alonso would do as a coach. His achievement with Bayer Leverkusen is a testament to these words. 

How did Xabi Alonso create history while leading Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory? 

Before Xabi Alonso took charge of Bayer Leverkusen, the German side was battling relegation. However, in just 18 months, the former Spanish international completely turned the tables. They have lifted the Bundesliga title with 79 points, 16 points more than formidable rivals Bayern Munich, who are sharing the same level of points with VfB Stuttgart. In fact, this win goes beyond their history books. 

By clinching their first-ever domestic title, Leverkusen has successfully shattered the notorious nickname “Neverkusen,” known for never lifting the prestigious silverware before. This achievement alone signifies what the former Spanish star has done for the German side. However, this is just the start of Alonso’s journey. Not to mention, they now have the Europa League to conquer, having reached the quarter-finals stage.

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Whatever it may be, Xabi Alonso has undoubtedly lived up to the words of Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, proving his worth as a successful manager with Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga triumph.