"This is a gift" - Granit Xhaka highlights 'biggest difference' between Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso

Granit Xhaka has highlighted the key difference between Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. He opined that the former Manchester City assistant manager uses the tactical board a lot, while the former Real Madrid star shows players what to do on the training ground.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Europa League fixture against Qarabag FK, Xhaka was quizzed about the difference of playing under the two managers. He claimed that it was a gift to learn from the two former midfielders and was quoted by Football.London as saying:

"They are very similar in mentality and style of play. Both are ambitious, purposeful and honest. Arteta shows more on the board, Xabi shows things himself on the court. He still has the quality to be able to play himself. That's the biggest difference. It's a privilege for me to be able to play under both of them. This is a gift."

Xhaka spent seven seasons at the Emirates and made 297 appearances, having joined the club during the summer transfer window ahead of the 2016-17 season. He played 147 matches under Arteta at Arsenal, putting up 12 goals and 12 assists.

He moved to Leverkusen ahead of the 2023-24 season and has played 15 matches under Alonso so far. He has managed one assist so far for his new team and is yet to get on the scoresheet.

Why did Granit Xhaka leave Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen?

Granit Xhaka has attributed the desire for a new challenge in his career as the reason behind him moving back to Germany. He previously played for Borussia Mönchengladbach for four seasons between 2012-16 before moving to Arsenal.

Some reports had suggested that he was forced to leave Arsenal as his wife wanted to leave London. However, the Swiss midfielder dismissed the claims and told Keystone-SDA, via SRF:

"There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true. The fact is that, as a person, I am always interested in new challenges. After seven years, the time has come for something completely new.

"The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen Sporting Director) and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me.

He added the club was still a massive draw in German and European football. Besides this, he also mentioned that his compatibility with Xabi Alonso in terms of values and work ethic had helped him make up his mind.