Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has paid tribute to Mikel Arteta’s competitive mentality and the decisions that have transformed Arsenal into one of the Premier League’s leading sides, describing his former colleague as a relentless winner whose qualities were visible from a young age.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal, Alonso reflected on his long-standing relationship with Arteta, whom he has known since their playing days in the Basque Country.
“Competitive. He’s always been a competitive animal,” Alonso said of Arteta. “Here you can see how he’s developed a great project, but even at a young age you could see he wanted to win and he was preparing for that.”
The Chelsea boss believes Arsenal’s current level is the product of a sustained process rather than simply the result of Arteta’s managerial reputation.
“It’s the fruit of many decisions that he’s taken that they’ve reached the level that he has reached here at Arsenal,” Alonso added.
The relationship between the two Spaniards stretches back decades. Alonso and Arteta grew up in San Sebastián and played together in their youth before their professional careers took them in different directions. Their competitive personalities have long been a feature of their relationship, with Alonso having previously described Arteta as a “competitive animal.”
That competitive streak has subsequently become a defining characteristic of Arteta’s Arsenal. Since taking charge at the Emirates, Arteta has overseen a major reconstruction of the squad and playing identity, turning Arsenal into consistent challengers at the top end of English football.
Alonso’s comments come as Chelsea prepare to face Arsenal in a high-profile early-season Premier League encounter, with both managers beginning new chapters at their respective clubs.
The Chelsea manager has also had to deal with late transfer-window uncertainty after the proposed move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara collapsed on deadline day.
Camara had been targeted as midfield reinforcement following Enzo Fernández’s move to Manchester City, but the deal ultimately fell through after Monaco withdrew from the agreement.
Despite missing out on the Senegal international, Alonso insists he is satisfied with the squad available to him.
“I am happy with the squad and depth, healthy competition,” Alonso said. “We know who is going to be in the building, it’s good to have that certainty.”
Alonso subsequently pointed to the range of midfield options available to him, including Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and academy players, while stressing the importance of maintaining competition throughout the season.
Chelsea have made a strong start under Alonso, winning their opening two Premier League matches against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, while Arsenal represent a significantly tougher test.
The meeting also gives Alonso an opportunity to face one of the managers who knows him particularly well. For Arteta, the fixture represents another meeting between two former playing companions who have followed remarkably similar paths from the footballing culture of San Sebastián into management at elite English clubs.
Alonso’s assessment, however, suggests that what Arsenal have become is no accident.