Former Bayer Leverkusen superstar explains what makes Alonso special – ‘When he walked into the dressing room…’ | OneFootball

The current situation surrounding Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid is proving to be one of the most complex challenges of his young coaching career. 

This moment of uncertainty stands in sharp contrast to the glowing image he built during his remarkable spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved something truly historic. 

Under Alonso, Leverkusen lifted the Bundesliga title and the German Cup without suffering a single defeat and came agonisingly close to adding the Europa League to that list.

At the time, Alonso was seen as a fresh, modern coach with an instant connection to his players. 

That reputation was built not only on results but also on how he managed personalities inside the dressing room. 

One of the most influential figures from that Leverkusen squad was Granit Xhaka, who now plays for Sunderland. 

The experienced midfielder recently offered insight into Alonso’s character in the DAZN documentary – ‘Xabi from myth to challenge’.

What did he say?

Speaking in the documentary, Xhaka addressed the doubts that surrounded Alonso at the start of his coaching journey. 

He admitted that the Spaniard did not arrive with a long managerial CV, but quickly explained what set him apart.

Xhaka was very crucial under Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“He had no experience on the big stage, that’s for sure. What he did have was personality. 

“When he walked into the dressing room and started talking, everyone listened carefully because every word he said was true and he didn’t just repeat what others were saying,” the Swiss midfielder said.

Xhaka then went deeper into what made Alonso so effective with that Leverkusen group, highlighting a quality that players often value more than tactics or titles. 

He stressed that Alonso’s strength came from being genuine and consistent in how he dealt with the squad.

“He was authentic. And I think that when players feel that you are authentic, it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose. 

“Besides, all teams have big egos, but he didn’t care about the big players and treated us all equally,” explained the Sunderland player.

While Alonso’s methods worked perfectly at Leverkusen, Madrid is a different challenge altogether. 

The expectations are higher, patience is shorter, and every decision is magnified and Alonso is beginning to realise that.