Xabi Redbeard Alonso in GQ; talks about RM, the translator, Guardiola

On Real Madrid: “They have a great team, with top players in every position. They’ve got that firm basis of experience, which players are then added to year on year. Despite their bad start, I’m sure they’re going to be challenging on all fronts come the end of the season.

”Of course I miss Real Madrid. I had five great years there. I felt appreciated, valued and respected there, and that’s something that’s really important for me.”

Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho: “They’re both born leaders, charismatic characters who are persuasive and know how to drive people on. Everyone has their own personality, but there are a lot of aspects in which they’re alike. They’re both very emotional, for example.

"They’re not only able to get across their footballing knowledge; they’ve also got that psychological know-how to get right inside their players. Getting the team to fight for you is very difficult, and it’s a quality that’s fundamental. It doesn’t matter how good you are at coaching; if at the end of the day the players aren’t behind you, it’s not going to work.”

Bayern Munich: “They’re an incredibly strong club, an institution very much representative of the image we have of their country. Impeccable organisation, everything perfectly structured. They really pay attention to the details. I’m having a fantastic experience here.”