Jose Mourinho predicted Xabi Alonso would become a top coach several years ago but he may not have envisaged his former player standing in his way so soon.
In 2019 the now Roma boss named the current Bayer Leverkusen gaffer as the former player he expected to make it in the dugout. Now they meet in a Europa League semi-final that promises to deliver a clash of contrasting styles.
Having managed Alonso between 2010 and 2013 at Real Madrid, the veteran gaffer was impressed by the former midfielder’s knowledge and vision. Yet, as Mourinho pointed out, Alonso has benefited from playing in teams marshalled by several of the game’s sharpest minds.
