Fascinating clip of Xabi Alonso coaching Alex Grimaldo with instant pay-off
Xabi Alonso's special coaching qualities have been captured in a fascinating clip posted online.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder has emerged as one of the most talented coaches for the next generation and is on the verge of delivering a first ever Bundesliga title for Bayer Leverkusen.
Die Werkself are unbeaten in all competitions and currently ten points clear of Bayern, who have won 11 titles in a row.
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They've displayed an exciting and effective brand of football and it's no surprise that all three of his former clubs have registered interest in him.
Even in such a short space of time Alonso has already helped improve players at Leverkusen and a video posted by the club highlights his abilities.
Left wing-back Alex Grimaldo was practicing free-kicks and saw his effort saved by the goalkeeper.
Wait for it...
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 28, 2024
The @XabiAlonso effect 😎@grimaldo35 | #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/rmEjACCbmS
Alonso then came over and animatedly passed on instructions to the Spaniard, performing gestures aplenty.
Grimaldo changed up his technique and then produced a stunning strike full of whip and movement.
It was an instant pay-off for the former Benfica man, who has been one of the best players in Europe this season.
The 28-year-old has an outrageous 11 goals and 15 assists in 37 games in all competitions, while on the opposite flank Jeremie Frimpong has 22 goal contributions.
"He’s played for top teams and he’s had great managers who he’s learned from,” Frimpong told SPORTbible when asked about Alonso's coaching.
“He's had Pep [Guardiola], [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho – all of them. He was bound to be a great manager with all the experience he’s had.
“How he’s putting [information] to the players at Leverkusen, we all enjoy playing under him. We really play football. He’s got all the trust of the players have his trust.
“On the pitch, [the style of play] gives us more of our strong abilities. Me and [Alex] Grimaldo, are abilities are to attack and go forward. Obviously we need to defend as well but it gives us that freedom. We’re really enjoying it.”
In a blow for Liverpool, Alonso
Topics: Xabi Alonso, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen
Josh Lawless