Comparing Xabi Alonso’s first 50 games at Bayer Leverkusen with Jurgen Klopp’s first 50 at Liverpool

Ben Stewart • 04 Mar 2024

Xabi Alonso has now managed 50 Bundesliga matches for Bayer Leverkusen, but how does his record compare to Jurgen Klopp’s first 50 Premier League matches for Liverpool?

The Spaniard has done a tremendous job since taking the Leverkusen hot seat as he’s taken them from relegation strugglers to the top of the Bundesliga.

As things stand, Alonso’s side boast a 10 point lead at the top of the table and with just 10 games left to play, they are now the red-hot favourites for the title.

Along with their superb form in the league, Leverkusen also have a great chance of winning the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.

In many ways, Alonso’s early career has mirrored Klopp’s. The last time a side other than Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga was Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund side in 2011–12 and Alonso now has the chance to upset the applecart himself.

Given the reputation that Alonso has quickly established for himself, Liverpool are now pushing to secure the services of the 42-year-old to replace Klopp in the summer.

Even Klopp himself has given the Spaniard his seal of approval after praising the work he has done at Bayer Leverkusen.

“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” Klopp told reporters. “The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is standout in that department.

“[He is a] former world-class player, from a coaching family as well which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing. The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional.”

When comparing Alonso’s first 50 Bundesliga matches with Klopp’s first 50 Premier League matches, the job that Alonso has done in Germany quickly becomes clear.

Since the 42-year-old took over, Bayer Leverkusen have averaged 2.18 points per game in the Bundesliga. Over a full campaign, that would be worth 74 points.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for Alonso’s side either as they have averaged 2.18 goals per game since his arrival. At the opposite end of the pitch, they have only conceded 0.98 goals per game.

If Leverkusen manage to remain unbeaten in their remaining 10 games, they would become the first team in Bundesliga history to go an entire season unbeaten.

The underlying stats behind Alonso’s rein are hugely impressive, especially when compared to Klopp’s first 50 Premier League matches with Liverpool.