By Karim Were
Chelsea’s incoming manager Xabi Alonso has been praised for his tactical flexibility by former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who believes the Spaniard adapts more easily than Mikel Arteta.
Alonso, confirmed as Chelsea’s new head coach on a four-year deal starting July 1, arrives in England after a hugely successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen. During his time in Germany, he led the club to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title triumph.
One of the key players in Alonso’s system was Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen from Arsenal after spending several years under Arteta. Having worked closely with both managers, the Swiss midfielder highlighted the biggest difference between the two coaches in an interview with the PFA in 2024.
According to Xhaka, Arteta remains deeply committed to a single football philosophy, largely sticking to a 4-3-3 system with specific positional structures and limited tactical variation.
Alonso, however, was described as more adaptable. Xhaka explained that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is comfortable switching between a back four and a back five depending on the opponent and situation, while still maintaining balance in midfield with two holding players.
Despite pointing out Alonso’s flexibility, Xhaka stressed that every top coach needs a clear identity and football philosophy to succeed at the highest level.
As Alonso prepares for his Premier League return with Chelsea, comparisons with Arteta are expected to intensify, especially with Arsenal now emerging as serious title contenders under their long
-serving manager.
