For many football fans, it’s been a strange start to the new football season without Spanish midfield legend Xabi Alonso taking to the pitch for one team or another. For the former Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder, it’s probably been a bittersweet few weeks, too.

Not having to take part in a gruelling pre-season training ritual is, presumably, blissful for most retired sportspeople. The fact that they’re not able to take part in the team dynamic, missing teammates and friends, is probably the downside.

When it comes to Alonso himself, most onlookers probably expect him to go into management over the coming years: he was always known as a thoughtful and intelligent player, and the type who usually makes for a good manager.

That’s why Adidas’s latest teaser featuring the man himself is so interesting.

Over the last few weeks, Adidas and some of the partners – including the UEFA Champions League itself – have been dropping hints. And now we know that Alonso will take his first steps in management by taking charge of Tango Squad FC: a team of teenage influencers who have been grouped together by Adidas to form a football team.

Every team needs a manager.
Announcing @XabiAlonso as the manager of #TangoSquadFC.#HereToCreate pic.twitter.com/Rc4wMESOnZ

— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) October 9, 2017

Don't play games. Introducing Tango Squad F.C. Coming soon. #HereToCreate #TangoSquadFC pic.twitter.com/50W7otFERF

— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 25, 2017

It may not be top level experience for Alonso to take into his management career, but it’s certainly an interesting next step, and links the influencer football team phenomenon even closer to the elite sport. And as managers go, Alonso is perhaps one of the most exciting they could have chosen.

Next stop: Management of #TangoSquadFC @adidasfootball . Stay tuned for an announcement. #HereToCreate pic.twitter.com/tD99m8fn3w

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) October 9, 2017