"I'd have loved to have a coach like Xabi Alonso at 20"

Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has spoken in an interview for 'The Athletic'. The 28-year-old has highlighted the coaching style of his manager Xabi Alonso.

"Being coached by Xabi Alonso is something special and we have a very good project and a very strong team. I knew I was ready to take a step to any league. I’ve always had good numbers in my goals and assists," he began.

"Making decisions in the final third of the pitch is one of my strengths. And this year, it’s true that everything is going very well, with the help of Xabi, his staff and my teammates."

The Spanish defender admitted that Alonso is a "very demanding coach" but that he works with a lot of "respect". "If you misplace a pass at training, he says, ‘Come on, come on, you can’t make that mistake’. He makes those demands, but at the same time, when you are doing it well, he encourages you.

"It is something that motivates you and I love it. I have experience and I am relaxed about (being corrected). I like to see how he also encourages the younger players. I’d have loved to have a coach like him when I was 20 years old," he added.