Monday, 20th October, 2014
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has revealed that manager Pep Guardiola was one of the reasons behind his signing for the Bavarians this summer.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid star joined the German champions on a two-year contract this year, putting an end to his five-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
During his time in Spain, Alonso had the opportunity to see Guardiola at close quarters, with the 43-year-old managing Barcelona from 2008 to 2012.
Alonso liked the methodical approach taken by Guardiola, who spent several hours thinking about each game his team played. He also revealed that when such a manager showed his confidence in him it was difficult to say no.
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"He is very methodical", Alonso was quoted as saying by UEFA's official site.
"And I have seen that he is a great worker – he spends so many hours thinking about each game.
"Was he one of the reasons why I came here? Yes, of course.
"He showed a lot of interest in me coming here, and it was very important for me to feel that confidence from the coach."
Alonso's team will take on Italian giants AS Roma in a Champions League Group E fixture on Tuesday.
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