Alonso Will not be in Charge of Liverpool, and That’s a Good Thing
In the ever-evolving world of football, the management and strategic approach to the game are as crucial as the performance on the pitch. As fans and pundits dissect the nuances of footballing philosophies and the potential impact of managerial changes, it’s essential to remember the importance of making informed decisions in football and betting. For those looking to place their bets confidently, rg.org offers a comprehensive guide to safe gambling, including articles and a list of trusted bookmakers. This context of informed decision-making sets the stage for our discussion on Xabi Alonso’s rumoured move to Liverpool and how his coaching style aligns with the club’s current philosophy.
You’ve probably come across talk of Xabi Alonso at Liverpool. It has become clear that the coach will stay at Bayer this summer. Although the situation developed dynamically until the last moment.
But how fit is he for Liverpool? The only coach who hasn’t lost a game this season. Impressive, but when you look at the style of play, questions immediately start to arise. Klopp’s football and Alonso’s football are fundamentally different things. If you try to explain it in one phrase: modern Liverpool plays as vertically as possible, while Bayer plays the opposite.
Klopp relies on power football: collect rebounds, increase the tempo and press. Once in possession of the ball, immediately escalate. Trent’s throw-in (first or second touch) to a fleeing Salah is a classic. Liverpool is probably the most vertical team among the top European clubs.
About Bayer
Bayer is primarily about possession. It’s usually after preparatory passes. The team can roll the ball near the other team’s penalty box (and even in it) for long periods before striking. It stifles possession, waiting for a penetrating pass from Jaka, Palacios and Wirz from the centre or Grimaldo and Frimpong from the flanks. It should be realised that Bayer, although they have a 10-point lead over Bayern, are far from being ahead of the reigning champions in all aspects (including xG). However, Bayer possesses the ball the most in the Bundesliga (62.9 per cent).
There is another element that Liverpool and Bayer are at different poles. Fouls as a way of controlling the game. Leverkusen have the fewest fouls (231) and 0 red cards this season. And Klopp’s team doesn’t just foul more than City or Arsenal. It is generally in the top 3 in fouls in the EPL (340). Only Wolverhampton and Bournemouth have fouled more often. In terms of penalties, Liverpool are the league leaders – five this season (the same number of penalties for Burnley, who are second to last).
Conclusion
Hence, the conclusion is that Xabi Alonso’s approach is not close to Liverpool’s. More precisely, they are about different football. Perhaps the Spanish coach can rebuild the team according to his vision, but his appointment would look inappropriate. Liverpool are doing well under their current football. With 10 rounds to go, the team fully participates in the championship race. The game, that is, gives the result, and walking away from it seems a dubious idea. Especially with such a selection of performers. The unique situation at Liverpool is that the coach leaves when there is no crisis in the game or the results. Continuing the current line is more logical than breaking and building differently.
One could assume that the opposite will happen: Xabi Alonso will adapt to modern Liverpool. But then, the general fixation on this man is incomprehensible. His coaching experience in adult football is less than two years. At that time, he excelled in one style, but there was no reason to assume he was good at another.
