Xabi Alonso believes that Manchester derby preparing coaches Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have a lot in common. Both specialists have worked together in the past at Barcelona, but tension between them started when Mourinho took over at Inter Milan and later at Real Madrid. This season, the Portuguese is leading Manchester United players, while Guardiola seeks victories with Manchester City. "In England, these are very important matches," Alonso said. "I think this game will be tactical. Both coaches are methodical - they want to analyze everything. We'll see what happens. I hope I can watch the clash." "I think, looking at their personalities and leadership, they have a lot in common. In football, their ideas are different both in attack and defense. In this regard, they are different. However, they are able to compete and bring out the best qualities of each player." "For players to have a coach who brings out everything from you is like motivation. The best thing is that they always demand a lot." Xabi Alonso worked with both Guardiola and Mourinho. The Spaniard was coached by Guardiola at Bayern Munich, while the latter was in the ranks of Real Madrid.
