Granit Xhaka has shared his insights into the contrasting managerial styles of Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, as the latter prepares to take over at Chelsea. Alonso's appointment was officially confirmed on a four-year contract, beginning July 1, following a difficult period for the Blues. The former Liverpool midfielder returns to English football after a stint at Real Madrid, where he was sacked in January amid a downturn in results and reported dressing room issues.
Alonso's Chelsea Challenge
Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, inherits a Chelsea side that struggled under Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed after five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring. Interim boss Calum McFarlane oversaw the team's FA Cup final loss to Manchester City. In his opening statement, Alonso expressed his ambition to restore Chelsea to top-tier competition, emphasizing the need for hard work and a winning culture.
Xhaka's Tactical Analysis
Xhaka, who played under Arteta at Arsenal before joining Leverkusen under Alonso, explained the differences in their approaches. He noted Arteta's strict adherence to a 4-3-3 formation with a single defensive midfielder, rarely deviating from his philosophy. In contrast, Alonso is more flexible, capable of switching between a back four and a back five, and prefers two number sixes to maintain positional discipline.
“Mikel has his philosophy and that's it,” Xhaka said in a 2024 interview. “Xabi can play a back four, but he can also play a back five. What he wants is always two number sixes, not running everywhere but staying in position.” Xhaka stressed that while a coach needs a core philosophy, adaptability is key.
Friendship and Rivalry
Alonso and Arteta grew up together in San Sebastian, playing for the same youth club, Antiguoko. Their friendship remains strong, with Arteta even consulting Alonso before signing Piero Hincapie. Alonso described Arteta as a “competitive monster” who always wanted to win, even in beach games. The two will now face off as managers in the Premier League, adding a personal dimension to the Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry.
