Xabi Alonso – The Puppet-Master Prince

Xabi Alonso has emerged as Europe’s next top boss after putting Bayer Leverkusen in contention for a maiden Bundesliga crown. Having learned under Pep, Jose, Carlo and Rafa, how long before the apprentice from an unlikely coaching hotbed rejoins a giant?

- By Ed McCambridge

Nestled in the foothills of the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, northern Spain, lies the small, sun-kissed town of Tolosa. There, along the tranquil banks of the River Oria, thousands of people flock each year to learn more about the peculiar art of Basque puppetry. From processional giants to wooden marionettes, Tolosa’s puppetry centre is home to countless lifelike figurines; its local residents committed to keeping an ancient tradition alive.

Fittingly, the town’s most famous son made a name for himself as a string-puller of an entirely different kind. Xabi Alonso’s ability to make those around him dance to his own rhythm was feted throughout a decorated 18-year playing career that took him from nearby San Sebastian to the grandest stages of Liverpool, Madrid and Munich. Accolades included four league titles, two Champions Leagues, two European Championships and, biggest of all, the World Cup in 2010.

As a pupil, Alonso studied under masters of the modern game – the only man to have counted Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola as mentors, not to mention John Toshack, Vicente del Bosque and Luis Aragones. His father, Periko, was a similarly gifted midfield operator, winning La Liga three times, twice with Real Sociedad and once at Barcelona. At every opportunity, Xabi endeavoured to learn.

“I tried to be curious about the manager’s work,” revealed the Spaniard. “It was never just about playing. I was always trying to ask questions and be close to them – I had that desire to coach already.”

"I suppose getting kung-fu kicked by Nigel de Jong was worth it."