Alonso excited by Jose v Pep

Xabi Alonso has urged Manchester’s footballers to prepare for a season like no other.

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London - Xabi Alonso has urged Manchester’s footballers to prepare for a season like no other as he gave an insight into the world of the city’s managerial heavyweights.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is in a small group of players to have worked with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho and both men made Alonso a linchpin of their teams. A huge theme of the new Premier League campaign will be the battle between Manchester City and Manchester United with the sub-plot of Guardiola taking on Mourinho providing extra intrigue.

Alonso remembers how things erupted between Guardiola and Mourinho when they were in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid and feels the prospect of them going head-to-head again will make essential viewing.

‘They are both very similar in that they are hard workers and extremely ambitious,’ said Alonso.

‘On the football side, they have different approaches. What you get with both is charisma and leadership.

‘It is a challenge for both to be against each other. I am definitely going to be keeping my eye on what is happening.

‘I had the privilege of working with both of them. There is a lot of hype around them, that is what they come to expect because they are big coaches in difficult jobs.’

Mourinho is well versed in the ways of English football but Alonso feels Guardiola will be in for a surprise when he encounters the ferocity of competition.

But the former Liverpool man is adamant Guardiola will transmit his methods to City’s players without too much difficulty.

‘I have no doubt he will be able to impose how he wants his team to play,’ he said. ‘He is such a great worker, and analytical, and he will manage.’

Daily Mail