Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder who has played under both Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, has offered a fascinating insight into the contrasting managerial styles of the two Spanish coaches. Xabi Alonso is set to take over at Chelsea in July, replacing interim boss Calum McFarlane, and will face off against his compatriot Arteta in the Premier League next season.
Xhaka's Experience Under Arteta and Alonso
Xhaka was part of Arteta's FA Cup-winning squad at Arsenal in 2020, playing the full 90 minutes in the final against Chelsea. After seven years in north London, he joined Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and immediately won a domestic double in Germany. Speaking to the PFA in 2024, Xhaka highlighted the differences between the two managers.
"Mikel has his philosophy and that's it," Xhaka said. "You know this always change the sides, the free man, let him jump for example. Even to play always with a back four and never change to a back five for example, or never change like a 4-4-2 with two proper strikers. So you had this 4-3-3, with one six and two eights."
In contrast, Xhaka described Alonso as more adaptable: "Xabi is a little bit different. I think that Xabi can play a back four, but he can play as well a back five... What he wants is always two number sixes, not running everywhere or more of the time be in the position."
Alonso's Tactical Flexibility
Xhaka emphasised that while both managers have their own philosophies, Alonso is more willing to adjust his formation based on the opposition. "I think that if you are a coach you need your own philosophy, your own tactical, your own ideas. Of course you can always change one or two [things] but you can't change so many things about it you know?"
Alonso's arrival at Chelsea marks his first job in English football, following a brief stint at Real Madrid where he left after just a few months into a three-year contract. He has signed a four-year deal with Chelsea, who dismissed Liam Rosenior in April and had McFarlane as interim for the FA Cup final defeat.
"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club," Alonso said after his appointment was confirmed. "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."
The 44-year-old will officially take over on July 1, and his tactical approach, as described by Xhaka, suggests Chelsea fans can expect a more flexible style compared to the rigid system of Arteta at Arsenal.
