Xabi Alonso labels Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta as 'competitive animal'

Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a historic season in 2023/24, being led by young Spanish coach Xabi Alonso to their first ever Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal glory. In addition to a 51-match unbeaten run, the Bundesliga side also reached the final of the Europa League but suffered a painful defeat to Atalanta. 

Rarely have Alonso's Leverkusen been so outclassed as in that final against the Italian side, but just a few months later, despite it being a pre-season game, the German side were overpowered again, this time against Arsenal. 

The Gunners claimed a crushing 4-1 victory over the reigning Bundesliga champions and Xabi Alonso was quick to praise the incredible performance of the Premier League side as well as his compatriot and coach Mikel Arteta. 

"Competitive. He has always been a competitive animal,” Alonso said. “You can see how he has developed a great project here. It’s the result of many decisions that have brought Arsenal to this point."

 

August 7, 2024