What would Xabi Alonso's Liverpool actually look like?
Feb 21, 2024
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Exploring the idea of Xabi Alonso as Liverpool manager, discussing his coaching history and what Liverpool need from a manager. Speculation on what Xabipool would look like, including Trent Alexander-Arnold's role. Highlighting Alonso's tactical mastery at Liverpool and his man management skills. Reflecting on the squad state, Klopp's tactical evolution, and the potential challenges of Alonso managing the team.
Xabi Alonso excels at controlling games out of possession and impresses with man-management skills.
Liverpool needs a new manager to balance attacking prowess with defensive vulnerabilities and transitions.
The new coach at Liverpool must address tactical challenges like Trent Alexander-Arnold's positioning and defensive responsibilities.
Deep dives
Javi Alonso's Coaching Success at Leverkusen
Javi Alonso's coaching success at Leverkusen is marked by his ability to control games out of possession and his man-management skills that have impressed players and staff. Leverkusen's recent comfortable win against Bayern Munich showcased their dominance without the ball, highlighting Alonso's coaching credentials. His meticulous planning, attention to detail, and ability to adapt tactical approaches have been key to Leverkusen's success, setting a strong foundation for his potential future at Liverpool.
Tactical Evolution at Liverpool under Javi Alonso
The tactical evolution at Liverpool under Javi Alonso involves revisiting early ideas introduced by Klopp, such as adjustments in the central midfield and redefining the role of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold. While the team excels in creating chances and scoring goals, there are challenges with defensive vulnerabilities in transitions and out-of-possession situations. Transitioning from Klopp's pressing game to a more structured defensive system will be a key focus for the new coach to address strategic issues and enhance Liverpool's overall tactical approach.
Potential Tactical Challenges for Liverpool and Javi Alonso's Influence
Liverpool faces potential tactical challenges in managing Trent Alexander-Arnold's positioning and defensive responsibilities, adapting to defensive vulnerabilities in transitions, and optimizing out-of-possession strategies to solidify their defensive structure. Javi Alonso's influence will be crucial in reshaping Liverpool's tactical framework, addressing pressing concerns, and leveraging the team's attacking depth efficiently. The shift towards a more balanced defensive system while maintaining the team's attacking prowess will be a key task for Alonso to navigate tactically for Liverpool's continued success.
Potential Tactical Approach under a New Coach
The podcast delves into the need for a new coach at Liverpool to potentially add control in possession, contrasting Klopp's style known for chaos and dislike for fully controlling games. With examples like the Arsenal game highlighting struggles without key players, the discussion emphasizes the importance of breaking down settled defenses and creating structured attacks while maintaining high turnovers and transition moments.
Importance of Man Management in Coaching Success
The episode stresses the significance of a coach's ability to connect with players and fans, underlining Klopp's successful approach at Liverpool. The conversation highlights the challenge of finding a successor who can maintain this vital relationship dynamics and discusses the qualities needed for effective man management, drawing comparisons to previous unsuccessful appointments like Rodgers and Hodgson at the club.
Jon Mackenzie is joined by Abel Meszaros and Danny Corcoran to explore the idea of Xabi Alonso as Liverpool manager, looking back at his managerial history, what Liverpool need from a manager right now, and looking forward to speculate what Xabipool would look like.
Who is Xabi Alonso, the coach?
What do Liverpool need from their next manager?
Is the Liverpool job a bit too early in the timeline for him?
Where would Trent Alexander-Arnold play?
This episode of the Tifo Football Podcast is presented by Jon Mackenzie, produced by Mike Zimmermann.
