Arne Slot vs Xabi Alonso is a lesson for the new wave of superstar coaches
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Liverpool host tonight’s Champions League game at Anfield with a twist in that sense, given the Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, could indeed have been in the home dressing room, in place of Arne Slot. Leverkusen’s more ingrained approach can test where Liverpool are now, as the German side seek to end Slot’s 100 per cent record in the Champions League so far. open image in gallery Jurgen Klopp arguably succeeded Jose Mourinho as Pep Guardiola’s main rival It was in 2016 that the Premier League proclaimed itself the league of star managers, after the appointments of Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte complemented the work of Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino. open image in gallery It is striking how perfect Alonso seemed for Anfield A big question will be why he isn’t actually managing Liverpool on Tuesday.