Safety from Spain Xabi Alonso says that one of the main factors that influenced his decision to leave Madrid's "Real" this summer and move to Munich's "Bayern" was the strategist of the Bavarians, Pep Guardiola.
The 33-year-old footballer this season is one of the most important players of the "Bundesliga" champions.
"After winning the Champions League final against Atletico, it seemed that I had accomplished something special and was ready to do something else," Alonso told Fifa Weekly. "I thought it was the right time to take on new challenges with one of the world's best teams in one of the three strongest European leagues."
"The move to Bayern was influenced by many reasons, and Pep Guardiola was definitely one of them. I immediately realized how unique Guardiola's intensity installed in him allowed him to achieve so much in such a short career."
"Under his guidance, the opportunity to learn more about football incredibly motivates and raises new challenges. He is a meticulous strategist and worker, an excellent analyst, a good tactician and innovator."
"Pep understands everything about the game. He doesn't make us think like him. He challenges us with his ideas."
"If a coach can do that, then players push themselves even harder and in pursuit of the team's goals give even more effort."
