Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has refused to pick a favorite between Pep Guardiola and former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, having played under both managers.
The debate on who is the best manager in the world often draws up two names a Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho has won league titles in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and England, along with winning the Champions League with Inter and Porto. While Guardiola has won 14 of the 19 trophies he competed with as FC Barcelona boss, and has won Bundesliga twice with Bayern Munich.
Former Bayern Munich player and legend Lothar Matthaus had recently reignited the debate by hailing the current Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho as the best coach in the world . , insisting he is better than Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.
Cannot chose between Mourinho and Guardiola: Alonso
However, Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso refused to chose a favorite between the two.
Alonso played under Mourinho during his Real Madrid stint and is currently playing under Pep Guardiola, was quoted saying by AS: ‘I’m proud of the coaches I’ve had but I won’t say whether Mourinho’s better than Guardiola’
‘In any big club there’s criticism when you don’t win. We have a great coaching staff. Bayern are a big club and there’s a lot of demand.’
On his arrival from Real Madrid, Alonso had told a news conference that Pep Guardiola talked him into signing for Bayern Munich.
Guardiolaa s future at Bayern Munich is subject to speculation, with the manager now in his final year of contract.
Alonso backs Benitez to succeed at Real Madrid
Bayern Munich won the Audi Cup pre-season tournament by beating Rafael Benitez’s Real Madrid side. Alonso, who played under Benitez with Liverpool FC, backed the Spaniard to win trophies with his former club.
He was quoted saying by AS: ‘Madrid will continue to fight for the title because they have a great team and a great coach.’
Alonso also gave his take on Iker Casillas’ move to FC Porto and was quoted saying: “It’s a new chapter for Iker. He’s a Madrid legend and in time will be valued more. I wish him the best. “