Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has lavished praise on to Bayer Leverkusen, who are coached by Xabi Alonso.
A claim revealed on Sunday that Daniel Levy was keener on appointing the Spanish tactician than Julian Nagelsmann.
Now, Jose Mourinho has also praised his former player in Xabi Alonso for his tremendous coaching job in Germany, as he continually gets linked with becoming the next Tottenham Hotspur manager.
What Jose Mourinho said about Tottenham manager target Xabi Alonso
The former Real Madrid midfielder took over the Bundesliga side when they looked like they could end up being relegated.
Now, they find themselves in a Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen and are sitting in sixth place in the league table.
As Tottenham reportedly look to persuade Xabi Alonso to become their manager, Jose Mourinho has sang his praises.
“I haven’t seen him for a long time. We’ve always had a fantastic rapport, more than between a coach and a player. Playing against him or Simone [Inzaghi] last week changes nothing. If I am not wrong, he [Xabi] was coached by [Rafael] Benitez, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Pep] Guardiola, me and others”, he was quoted saying by Football Italia.
“I think it’s normal that he takes more inspiration from some coaches more than others. Bayer are the best counter-attacking team I’ve seen, but if he prefers another style it’s another story. Surely, he is very pragmatic. He uses the style that suits his players more.”
HITC View: That’s as big a seal of approval as one can get
Not to suggest that Daniel Levy should appoint Xabi Alonso as Tottenham manager just due to the kind words from Jose Mourinho but it is a sign that even legends of the game have been impressed by his work.
Alonso is undoubtedly one of the best up-and-coming tactical coaches in the world and despite his inexperience, he is worth a punt.
However, with just how many problems at Spurs’ door, it would be understandable if Levy eventually rules out a move for him.
But the Mourinho seal of approval could tempt him and rightfully so as he is one of the greatest managers the sport will ever see.
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