Xabi Alonso Leads Leverkusen to Top of Bundesliga

Drawing on his own playing experience and lessons from world-class coaches, Alonso's leadership has transformed the team in just over a year.

Xabi Alonso, former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder, has led Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga in just 13 months.
Alonso's coaching style draws on his own playing experience and the lessons learned from some of the world's best coaches, including Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso's turnaround strategy at Leverkusen involved incisive counterattacking tactics and a focus on player speed. In his second season, he brought in experienced players and shifted to a style of play focused on ball control and smart passing.
Leverkusen's recent 4-0 victory over Union Berlin has left them at the top of the Bundesliga, two points clear of Bayern, and with 31 points from a possible 33.
Despite the team's success, Alonso remains cautious about speculating on a historic title win, stating that the team is focused on what they can do and how much they can deserve to earn that chance.