Xabi Alonso: Bayer Leverkusen coach’s rise to coaching greatness no surprise to those who know him

In 18 months at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has given Mourinho the kind of gift he craves most in proving the Portuguese right, taking a side sat second-bottom of the German top tier well clear of relegation and now, in his first full season, to the cusp of history. Currently 16 points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich, the club’s first Bundesliga title can be wrapped up this weekend.