“The game of football is all about the space you take up in relation to the ball and why you take it up. We can’t forget this when planning to train effectively.” - Xabi Alonso
What sets Alonso apart from many of his contemporaries is his ability to harmoniously blend two seemingly contradictory footballing philosophies: positionism and relationism.
Understanding Positionism and Relationism
Positionism, or "positional play," is a philosophy that prioritizes structure, space, and positioning on the pitch. Managers who subscribe to this approach, such as Pep Guardiola, emphasize maintaining strict positional discipline. The idea is to create numerical superiority in certain zones of the pitch, thereby controlling the game through calculated movements and pre-defined patterns of play. In positionism, the ball is often circulated patiently until the right moment or space opens up, leading to a high-percentage attacking move.
Relationism, on the other hand, is a more fluid and dynamic approach. It places greater emphasis on the relationships between players and their ability to adapt to the flow of the game. Managers like Carlo Ancelotti, who have been associated with this approach, focus on the organic interactions between players, allowing for a more intuitive style of play. Relationism is less concerned with rigid structure and more with the spontaneous creation of opportunities, relying on the players' intelligence and improvisation.
Xabi Alonso: The Synthesis of Two Worlds
Xabi Alonso’s has found a way to integrate the principles of both positionism and relationism, creating a hybrid approach that maximizes the strengths of each philosophy.
The Positional Foundation
Alonso's teams often exhibit a strong positional structure, especially in the defensive and midfield areas. This is no surprise given Alonso’s playing career, which saw him excel under managers like Rafa Benítez and Pep Guardiola, both of whom are known for their structured approaches to the game.
Control of Space: Alonso’s teams are usually well-organized defensively, with players maintaining their positions to close down spaces and cut off passing lanes. This positional discipline ensures that the team remains compact, making it difficult for opponents to break them down.
Structured Build-Up: In possession, Alonso’s teams often start their build-up from the back, with a clear emphasis on maintaining width and depth. This approach is very much in line with positionism, where the objective is to stretch the opponent and create gaps that can be exploited.
However, what distinguishes Alonso's approach is how he balances this positional structure with the freedom of relational play.
The Relational Dynamism
Alonso doesn’t allow his teams to be overly rigid. He understands the importance of player relationships and the need for fluidity in certain phases of the game.
Inter-Player Relationships: While maintaining a solid structure, Alonso encourages his players to develop a strong understanding of each other's movements and tendencies. This relational aspect allows players to combine effectively, creating quick, fluid passing sequences that can break down even the most organized defenses.
Adaptive Positional Play: Alonso’s positional play is not static; it adapts to the game’s flow. He empowers his players to make decisions based on the evolving situation on the pitch. This blend of structure and spontaneity is where his relationism comes into play. Players have the freedom to move out of their designated zones when they perceive an opportunity, trusting that their teammates will cover for them. Florian Wirtz, for example, is often given a free role, allowing him to move freely around the pitch. By drifting into different areas and operating between defensive lines, Wirtz helps create overloads and facilitates ball progression. His ability to find space and receive the ball in dangerous pockets makes him a key creative outlet, breaking down defenses while maintaining the fluidity of the team’s system.
Intelligent Pressing: Alonso incorporates a pressing strategy that blends positional and relational elements. His teams press with a clear structure, but within that framework, players have the autonomy to press the ball in a way that disrupts the opponent’s play, often leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.
Leverkusen’s play under Alonso is characterized by a structured build-up from the back, with clear positional roles, but also by a high degree of fluidity in the final third. The players are given the freedom to express themselves, making the team unpredictable and difficult to defend against. Alonso’s ability to adapt his tactics to the strengths of his players while maintaining a cohesive structure has been a key factor in Leverkusen’s strong performances under his management.
The Tactical Intelligence Behind the Philosophy
Xabi Alonso’s ability to combine positionism and relationism is a reflection of his deep tactical intelligence. He understands that modern football is not black and white; it is a game of nuances where flexibility often trumps rigidity.
Player Empowerment: Alonso empowers his players by providing them with a clear tactical framework but also the freedom to make decisions on the pitch. This duality is crucial in modern football, where the speed of the game requires players to think and act quickly.
Adapting to the Opponent: One of Alonso’s strengths as a manager is his ability to adapt his approach based on the opponent. While his teams maintain a positional structure, they are not bound by it. This flexibility allows them to adjust their tactics mid-game, shifting between positional discipline and relational fluidity as the situation demands.
Focus on Fundamentals: Alonso’s philosophy is also rooted in the fundamentals of the game. He places a strong emphasis on technical skills, game intelligence, and physical conditioning. By focusing on these basics, he ensures that his players are well-equipped to execute his hybrid philosophy effectively.
Xabi Alonso’s ability to blend positionism and relationism makes him a manager uniquely suited to the demands of modern football. His teams are tactically versatile, capable of controlling games through structured play or unsettling opponents with fluid, dynamic movements. This synthesis of two contrasting philosophies not only reflects Alonso’s deep understanding of the game but also his innovative approach to management.
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