Xabi Alonso to take over at Monchengladbach, report

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, March 23, 2021
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File photo of Xabi Alonso. (Xinhua/Liao Yujie)

Max Eberl seems to justify his reputation as one of football's most creative sporting directors. In charge of Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, the former Bayern professional has always been good for a surprise.

This time the 47-year-old might have delivered his masterpiece by providing a piece of stunning breaking news in German football, presenting former Spanish giant Xabi Alonso out of the blue as his club's coach for next season.

Several media outlets talk of a done deal with the current Real Sociedad reserve team coach, though neither club has confirmed the news. Real sporting director Roberto Olabe said he hopes to keep Alonso.

In Germany, the rumors triggered a wave of euphoria.

The 39-year-old wasn't only been a fan's favorite while in Bayern Munich's shirt, after having won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real; the media cherished the Spaniard's profound tactic knowledge.

Dozens of international media queued up to listen to entertaining interviews about eye-opening strategies provided by Alonso during training breaks at Bayern.

Sometimes, the sessions lasted hours, as it wasn't obvious who was having more fun, the football professional or his enlightenment-seeking interviewers.

Others reported about hours of interesting stories when supplier Adidas went through Alonso's career by presenting all the different boots he had worn over the years.

As soon as the midfield mastermind touched one pair, he seemed to go through his great games a second time. No matter if he took the ones he had missed a penalty in, or the ones he had achieved trophies with, Alonso turned into a skilled reporter delivering unforgettable moments.

At that time, there was rarely someone in Munich not predicting what direction Alonso's post-playing days would take.

"I wouldn't be surprised to soon see him on a bench in the coaching role," Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. The Bayern chairman called Alonso one of football's strategic masterminds.

Four years after leaving Bayern and retiring from playing, the 2010 World Cup winner is back in Germany to succeed Monchengladbach coach Marco Rose, who is on his way to join Dortmund next season.

Appointing Alonso seems risky due to his lack of experience coaching at the top level. But signing the 114-time Spanish international gives proof of Eberl's dedication to unusual solutions.

During his playing days, Alonso was coached by the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Vicente del Bosque and Jose Mourinho, and seems a perfect choice.

Alonso developed into a top-class midfielder right in front of the defense, contributing his talent to read games and push his side forward. At his time, he was seen as one of the world's best, but always kept his view on the game, reminiscent of a coach's approach.

As a youth coach and with Real Sociedad's B team, he favored dynamic possession football. He strengthened his reputation as a successful talent developer in San Sebastian, a club traditionally relying on its young talents to compete with wealthier clubs.

Now the time seems right to make the next step, returning to Germany and entering a more prominent coaching stage. If Alonso can create a similar degree of success as the enthusiasm surrounding news of his appointment, he will be reaching similar heights as he did as a player. 

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