What Man Utd may gain from Xabi Alonso’s coaching brilliance to beat Liverpool
Following rumors that he could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen, could help Manchester United.
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Writer: Jake Bayliss
12 FEB 2024 at 16:01
Xabi Alonso, head coach of Bayer Leverkusen
Head coach Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen courtesy of Getty Images)
United might get a double boost from Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen, next season. Regardless of whether he’s coaching their archrivals.
After a 3-0 thrashing of championship rivals Bayern Munich, Leverkusen’s perfect start to the season has garnered a lot of attention. The Bavarians are now five points clear. Many have speculated that Alonso may replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager due to the caliber of his squad.
The Red Devils will be watching Alonso closely in Germany, even though they don’t want him to have the same success when he returns to Liverpool. Edmond Tapsoba and Jeremie Frimpong, two defenders for Leverkusen, are still being watched by United in the run-up to the summer transfer window.
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Both players contribute to the most disciplined defense in the Bundesliga, which has allowed only 14 goals in 21 matches so far. With Leverkusen’s ongoing success under Alonso, center-back Tapsoba, 25, and right-back Frimpong, 23, have become even more coveted targets for the club.
Leverkusen were in danger of relegation following a disastrous start to the previous season until the appointment of the former Liverpool player in October 2022. The club advanced to the Europa League semi-finals and finished sixth under the Spaniard’s guidance. The resounding triumph over Bayern was a landmark achievement that garnered praise throughout European football, and Leverkusen has maintained an undefeated record in all three tournaments this season.
In Erik ten Hag’s pursuit of a United team that is even better than last year, United could benefit from Alonso’s coaching. The Dutch international Frimpong has been a wonderful outlet on the right flank, and Tapsoba has been an anchor of Leverkusen’s tenacious defense. Frimpong has played 27 games at wingback and contributed an incredible 18 goals.
