I also think Xabi Alonso lack of experience as manager hurt his team in Europa League final. They had great season but couldn't win final game. Alonso knows what it's like to play in big games but managing is different. He needs more experience to make good decisions and motivate his players when it matters most. But I think he will learn from this and do better next time. Next season Leverkusen has chance to go far in Champions League and Alonso can show what he can do on biggest stage. Winning trophy as manager would be amazing, and I think he can do it. Alonso is a young manager with a lot of potential, and I'm excited to see how he grows and succeeds in the future.
Yes I agree with you that Xabi Alonso actually lack the big stage experience like the Europa league finally. But I don’t blame him too much because even the greatest managers with fast experience do loose whenever they switch off even small. My first example will be Alex Ferguson beaten by a young Jose Mourinho with Porto and also Guardiola beaten twice in the UCL final. And on both occasions the most experienced was Alex Ferguson. Gurdiola also lost to first timer Tuchel when Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the UCL finally. So sometimes it is not about the coach it is about the players mentality too.
Xabi Alonso set up the team just like he had been doing all season that made them go 52 games unbeaten, so he didn’t do much there, if he has set up the team differently it would have been a gamble. The thing that made Leverkusen to loose the match was that the players lost focus and felt that their were on top of the world. Atlanta were composed and benefited from their composure. If you ask me I will say they were better overall in the competition and deserved it more; Atlanta. They passed the more difficult route to the final
Everyone enjoys blaming, right? Blaming Xabi Alonso for Leverkusen's loss? Its stupid. He led a young team to the final. Very big. Did they choke? Maybe. Even world-class coaches have been there. Fergie lost to Mourinho? When Pep couldnt beat Tuchel? It happens.
Xabi kept Leverkusen playing their game, which brought them this far. Changing everything for final? Risky business. Despite his flaws, lets give him credit. Atalanta played well. Under pressed, they maintained calm. They deserved victory. Young Leverkusen has a lot of talent. Perhaps they need some seasoned veterans to guide them. Still, thats how you learn, right? You lose, learn, and recover. Winners do that.