Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Xabi Alonso for his work at Bayer Leverkusen – after the Spaniard rejected the chance to manage Spurs.
According to De Telegraaf, Spurs were strongly interested in hiring the Tolosa-born tactician as they search far and wide for Antonio Conte’s replacement.
While Xabi Alonso will not be taking over at Spurs – for now at least – he has received praise from Jose Mourinho for his work so far, just months into his first role in senior management.
What’s the story?
Well, the 41-year-old told Sport1 earlier this week that he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen, when asked about interest from Tottenham.
Alonso said: “Yes, I’m going to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I’m very happy at this club and with this team.”
In our view, that is the right decision – if you ask Mourinho, the Roma boss would surely agree.
As quoted by ESPN after Roma defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final, the 60-year-old said: “It’s very difficult for me to play against my friends. During the match you forget, but then I don’t like to celebrate in the face of Xabi Alonso, who is doing an extraordinary job.”
He certainly is.
Alonso took over at Bayer Leverkusen back in October when the German side were 17th in the Bundesliga, and has since taken them to seventh while also coming within touching distance of the UEFA Europa League final.
You can see why Tottenham were interested – to say the least.
Spurs find alternative to Alonso
After Alonso openly revealed his desire to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham began to make serious progress in their attempts to hire another manager – Arne Slot.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, positive talks have been held between the Dutchman and the north Londoners, with Sky Sports adding that Feyenoord are resigned to losing the 44-year-old.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Slot’s name, as a deal to take over from Conte looks close to completion.
The post "Extraordinary job": Mourinho hails 41-year-old who has rejected Spurs appeared first on HITC.
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