Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted that the Bundesliga 'is much quicker' than La Liga.
The 32-year-old has played in both divisions, and he believes that the German top flight is far more physically demanding than its Spanish equivalent.
"The Bundesliga is much quicker; it's more physical than the Liga, which is more technical," he told UEFA’s official website.
"I've said a few times the Bundesliga is closer to the Premier League than La Liga.
"But the atmosphere and the stadiums are fantastic, and that plays a big role in how attractive it is for a player."
Alonso also explained how his advancing years made him place more emphasis on ‘thinking more and running less’, before speaking highly of Pep Guardiola’s coaching methods.
"With the years you try to run less, to think more, and try to be involved in the best way possible, to be a link between the defence and the attack – right or left," the former Real Madrid playmaker continued.
"With the years you try to have more composure, to read the game and to have a better understanding.
"Guardiola wants you to be on your toes. He tries to improve in each training session. For every game, he tries to bring new things to the team, to add new concepts.
"That makes it special, because even [having played] for years with different managers, you feel he brings something different to the team."
