Xabi Alonso: Jose Mourinho Knows How To Motivate And Connect With The Players

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso appreciates the intellectual insight which his coach Jose Mourinho shares with himself personally and also with the rest of the squad.

The World Cup winning midfielder revealed how the ‘Special One’ is different from the other coaches and managers.

”He prepares for a game really well and he makes good decisions during matches,” the midfield maestro said during an interview with Realmadrid TV.

”But what’s really different from him is that from an emotional point of view, he is really strong. He makes each player the best they can be.

”For key moments, such as in knockout games or finals, you have to be well prepared and have the psychological edge over the opposition. He knows how to connect with us and that motivates us greatly for any challenge,” added Alonso.

The former Liverpool man also possessed words of glorification for young midfielders Esteban Granero and Mesut Oezil. Both players have almost 60 appearances combined for Madrid this season and Alonso believes the pair are the future of the club.

”Esteban is a phenomenon. He will definitely be a major player for us in the future. Mesut is one of those unique players you see every once in a while. He has the gift of a perfect touch in tight spaces that makes him special,” said the Blancos No. 14.

Real Madrid welcome Hercules to the Bernabeu on Saturday before they take on Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday at home, with the tie leveled at 1-1.