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Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of historic and Spanish legend Xabi Alonso has been the brain behind their excellent form.
Xabi Alonso's demanding yet encouraging coaching methods are pushing Nigeria’s Victor Boniface and his Bayer Leverkusen teammates to new heights this season, according to defender Alejandro Grimaldo.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Alonso has Leverkusen 10 points clear at the Bundesliga summit and on a record 34-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
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Boniface and Alonso’s Leverkusen
Much of their success this season across competitions can be credited to the Spaniard's relentless focus on playing at an intense, high-tempo rhythm in both training and matches.
"Xabi is still fit, he could easily still be playing," Grimaldo told The Athletic. "Few in the world could pass a ball like him. Every time he gets involved in a tactical exercise, a 'possession game', he accelerates the rhythm. So the team sees the rhythm we have to play at."
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Alonso's attention to detail is pushing his players, including red-hot Super Eagles striker Boniface, to constantly strive for perfection.
"Xabi is very demanding, but with respect," said Grimaldo. "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.
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"It is something that motivates you, and I love it, really. I'd have loved to have a coach like him when I was 20 years old."
Boniface has thrived under Alonso's guidance, contributing 17 goals in the Bundesliga alone before his recent injury layoff, while Grimaldo has been similarly prolific with 18 goal involvements.
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The Spanish wing-back believes Alonso's mix of tough love and belief is the perfect formula to keep driving Leverkusen's incredible run.
"I like to see how he also encourages the younger players," Grimaldo added. "I have experience, and am relaxed about (being corrected)."
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Alonso and Leverkusen will switch their attention to the Europa League where they face Qarabag FK in the round of 16.
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