Jurgen Klopp previously commended Xabi Alonso’s exceptional managerial talents as he gears up to take the reins at Real Madrid. The German coach highlighted the extraordinary job Alonso has done at Bayer Leverkusen, with his impending departure coinciding with Real Madrid’s hunt for a successor to Carlo Ancelotti.
Speaking previously about the distinguished midfielder’s coaching prowess, former Liverpool manager Klopp remarked: “Xabi is doing an incredible job.”
Reflecting on the changing landscape of soccer management, Klopp admitted to being surprised by the rise of new talent: “If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone ‘Oh my God!’
“Always what I said, the dinosaurs if you want, Ancelotti (Carlo), Mourinho (Jose), Guardiola (Pep), maybe me, we will not do it okay, maybe Mourinho – but all the rest will not do it for the next 20 years.”
Further praising Alonso, Klopp added: “The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is a standout in that department.
“Former world-class player, from a coaching family as well which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing. The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional.”
Klopp might have inadvertently talked himself out of the running for the Real Madrid managerial position, with the club ultimately opting for Alonso. Despite being a top choice for the role, Klopp seems settled in his new position away from the touchline, as per his representative, reports the Mirror.
His agent Marc Kosicke recently told Sky Germany: “Jurgen is very happy with his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull. He’s fully focused and happy there.”
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Klopp himself has been open about his satisfaction with his current situation. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “A few months ago I said I don’t see myself on the sidelines any more and that is still the case. But I still love football, I still love working and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform for that.”
As for Alonso, he’s set to manage his final game for Bayer Leverkusen this weekend against Mainz, having already clinched second place in the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s Real Madrid is poised to finish second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by seven points with only three matches remaining. A failure to win against Real Mallorca on Wednesday could see Barcelona confirmed as the league winner.
