Xabi Alonso (foto: Getty Images)
Last season, Xabi Alonso endeared himself to football fans. He led Bayer Leverkusen to a domestic double and reached the final on the European stage. The Spaniard is preparing for new challenges in an unconventional way.
One season was enough for Spaniard Xabi Alonso to spark a revolution in the football world. With his vision, tactics, and work ethic, he led Bayer Leverkusen to a domestic double and came close to winning the Europa League, losing only in the final against Atalanta.
The Spanish coach and former exceptional midfielder also set a unique record, as the Pharmacists went undefeated throughout the elite Bundesliga season. The German team did not lose for a total of 361 days, with the streak ending in the European competition final with a 0-3 loss to Atalanta.
Understandably, coaches seek to rest their minds and bodies after exhausting seasons, finding inner peace at holiday destinations, and generally enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, knowing that Alonso is not a typical coach, it is not surprising that he spends his summer break differently than expected.
Believe it or not, Xabi Alonso uses the off-season to continue his coaching duties. He was spotted at the Donosti Cup youth tournament in San Sebastian, where he coaches the Zuatzua team. His son Jon Alonso and Gabi Arteta, the son of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, play in this team.
Alonso has fond memories of this tournament, as he played in it as a young boy. His best performance was in 1993 when he and his teammates reached the final but lost.