Leverkusen s former senior executive: Xavi Alonso still has the ability to play, playing at least 15 minutes per game

A few days ago, Devin Erzek, former assistant of Leverkusen's director Rollfies, accepted an interview with the Ass.

You were at the Leverkusen Technical Secretariat and they signed Xavi Alonso?

"The decision was made by CEO Fernando Carlo and sports director Rollfies. We were teamwork. We did scouting work and thought about which players and coaches were suitable for the club's philosophy. Xavi Alonso was a good choice. We couldn't reveal too much recruitment details, but we did a lot of work and finally decided to choose him." Xavi Alonso didn't have much resume at the time and only coached Real Sociedad B.

"To sign him, you need someone who makes the decision. It's easy to say 'he's the ideal coach'. The hard thing is to pursue him. Our CEO did it. If you watch Real Sociedad B's game, from the beginning to the end of the season, there are huge improvements in overall, players and structure. It's obvious that Harvey Alonso will succeed. At Leverkusen, he not only improves young players, but also activates mature players like Zachar or Jonatan Ta. He makes them much better. They take a big step under him. It's his trait as a coach."

What did you see in him when Harvey Alonso comes to Leverkusen?

"We expect him to reach that level of level (coaching) because in his time as a player, he was a strategic, very smart guy, almost a little coach on the court. In his career, he has worked with the best coaches, the top five or six top coaches. What surprised me was that he was still so good when playing. He still had the ability to play, playing at least 15 minutes per game! That was crazy. It was a great decision. I have no doubt that he would be one of the best coaches in the world."

Real Madrid bet on Xavi Alonso right?

"Yes. To me, he's top."

With Xavi Alonso in, the players were sold and created value.

"Selling players is very important. The key to success is not only to buy well, but also to sell well. If you want to grow, you have to sell those players that are not in the plan. This creates a better atmosphere and improves the level of competition and economy. It must be sold: players who are not playing, high-paying players, you have to invest a lot of strategy, time and energy."

What do you think is a good technical secretariat like?

"There are two points: First, try to sign players that you usually can't sign in, better than your current players. If you're in the top ten clubs, you can sign any player you want. But if not, at least you should try. Many times they say no, but maybe once they agree, you get a top player. The second secret is to sell players that aren't in the plan. It's important."

Are you considering coming to Spain (working)?

"It depends. Yes, I am open-minded. I plan to learn Spanish, but it is not easy. Let's take a look. Before meeting the challenge, first understand the history, style, fans (the club's) and then, create a concept. To clarify the player's idea, not only signing, but also the system and style of play we use. The player's philosophy must be similar to the club."