With it looking increasingly likely assistant manager Michael Beale will become the new manager at QPR, many fans have set their sights on a new replacement – Xabi Alonso. But what could he bring?
Having recently left his role as manager of Real Sociedad B, many are putting forward the idea that the former Spain international should become Gerrard’s new deputy at Villa Park – with John Percy reporting that current No 2 Michael Beale is “very keen to become a No 1” (See here) – but how might Villa benefit from the former Liverpool man?
One of the finest midfielders of his generation, Alonso will easily bring years of experience into the dressing room. A serial winner, his midfield partnership with current Villa boss Steven Gerrard was one of the greatest there has been in his 5 years at Anfield. While at Liverpool, Alonso and Gerrard won the Champions League, forming a strong midfield partnership and both scoring in the improbable comeback in Istanbul.
Alonso then went on to win another Champions League at Real Madrid, and won 14 trophies at club level. In total he made over 700 appearances in club football, making a further 114 for the Spanish national team – where he won both the World Cup and 2 European Championships.
Alonso retired from football in 2017, and a year later became manager of Real Madrid u14s. He clearly impressed, as the following year he was appointed as manager of Real Sociedad B – the team he made his footballing debut for.
Alonso impressed heavily at Real Sociedad B, winning them promotion to the Segunda Division for the first time in almost 60 years in 2021, before Borussia Mönchengladbach took a major interest in him. Alonso committed to Sociedad however, and signed a 1 year extension at the club. At the end of the 2021-22 season, Sociedad were relegated from the Segunda Division, and Alonso left his role as manager.
At the end of his spell for Sanse, he had managed 98 games, amassing 40 wins.
An assistant manager role for Alonso may seem a step back in that regard, but working in the Premier League is one of the best ways for a manager to develop his skills, and it may be a necessary learning curve before Alonso jumps into first team management. Working with a good friend in Steven Gerrard – and at a highly ambitious club – is the next logical step before he takes the jump into the number 1 role.
Alonso has everything it takes to elevate Aston Villa to the next level, and the ties between himself and the various members of staff at the club make it seem like an obvious step for Alonso, but it’s all down to him whether or not he wants to help bring success back to B6.