Alonso Credits Wirtz for Helping Him Earn Real Madrid Job

Xabi Alonso has unveiled that Florian Wirtz has been instrumental in his success into becoming the head coach of Real Madrid. The Spanish coach credited the young midfielder with his contribution in Bayer Leverkusen stating that their success was a significant milestone in his career as a coach.

In the season 2023-24, Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz had an excellent season at Leverkusen and won both the Bundesliga and German Cup. Leverkusen remained undefeated in the league under the leadership of Alonso, and Wirtz was the Bundesliga Player of the Season. The performances of this 22-year-old attracted the attention of the world, and a high-profile transfer to Liverpool was a result.

In June 2021 Liverpool bought Wirtz at approximately £100 million with possible bonuses of another 16 million. In the same month, the new chapter of Alonso as the head coach of Real Madrid started with his reign at the Club World Cup.

And in 14 appearances, Wirtz has not scored a goal since he moved to Liverpool with big money. Alonso, who was at Liverpool since 2004 until 2009, thinks that the midfielder only has to work time to get accustomed to the new environment.

It is a giant step to him, Alonso explained before the champion league match between Real Madrid and Liverpool on Tuesday. He has spent the entire life in Germany and had been living in Leverkusen some years. He is a special kind of player, full of quality, personality, and competitiveness, but it takes time to get used to it.

Alonso went on to say that the talent of Wirtz was the one that helped him succeed as a manager. He was so special, and it was likely one of the reasons that I am here at Real because of Flo. I owe him the debt of gratitude, Alonso said.

The Real Madrid coach also discussed the recent scandal with Vinícius Jr., who demonstrated his anger at being replaced during a 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona. The Brazilian has made a public apology, and Alonso assures that they have put this problem behind them.

Alonso emphasized that it was important for Vinícius to speak with his teammates about the incident, adding that the matter has been resolved and the team has already moved on.

When Alonso is about to play against his former club, he still shows his respect to Wirtz, remembering that they had a very special relationship that brought both of them to the new level of their career.

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