Jose Mourinho's analysis of Xabi Alonso's management potential is so good

Jose Mourinho believes that new Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso will go on to do great things in management.

The Liverpool and Real Madrid legend recently took the reins at the Bundesliga club after they parted ways with their old manager Gerardo Seoane.

Alonso had spent three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team and had led the club through a relatively successful period, including achieving promotion to the Spanish second division for the first time in over 60 years.

However, he left last summer as he felt the need to pursue a new challenge.

A new challenge which he has seemingly found in the form of Bayer Leverkusen.

The initial success Alonso has experienced since moving into the dugout will have come as no surprise to Mourinho.

Speaking in a Top Eleven conference in 2019, Mourinho gave the audience several reasons why he expects his former player to become an exceptional manager.

“His father was a manager, so he grew up similar to me. Then he became a player – of course much better than I was.

“He became a player, a top player. His position on the pitch and his knowledge of the game – very high.

“He played in Spain, in England and in Germany.

“And he was coached by Guardiola with Bayern; by myself in Real Madrid; by Ancelotti in Real Madrid; by Benitez in Liverpool.

“So, I think if you put all this together, Xabi has conditions to be a very good coach.”

José never misses. pic.twitter.com/vmZJVuddJD

It’s a fascinating watch and testament to Mourinho’s knowledge of the game and his former player.

It’s true that many great managers were previously midfielders. Just look at Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard, Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane and so forth.

Having that understanding of the game, the ability to