Bayer Leverkusen winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has praised Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso's early impact as manager.
The Spaniard was appointed as the new head coach of the Bundesliga club at the beginning of October after Gerardo Seoane was sacked. Liverpool fans caught a glimpse of the 40-year-old as he captained the Reds legends at Anfield during the international break in their win over Manchester United prior to his arrival.
It's been a difficult start for Alonso as he has one win, one draw and one defeat in the German top flight - picking up almost as many points in three games as his predecessor did in eight - meanwhile trying to salvage Die Werkself's Champions League status.
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Hudson-Odoi swapped the Premier League for the Bundesliga during the summer transfer window in a bid for regular first-team football after dipping in and out of Thomas Tuchel's squad at Chelsea.
As Leverkusen gear up for their trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the 21-year-old has detailed his relationship with Alonso.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "He’s really on to you, in your face, to make sure you understand what he wants you to do.
"He’s definitely more hands on than the other coaches I’ve had. He’s still kicking balls and has that mentality of wanting to win games.
"It’s nice. When he talks, everyone listens because he knows what he’s talking about."
The England U21 international also revealed the levels of man-management that Alonso has with the Spaniard posing challenges for Hudson-Odoi. He continued: "He’s been telling me, ‘You’re playing really well, you’re working well, you’re getting the ball and helping to create chances.
"But you have to have that killer instinct of getting in the box and scoring goals’. That’s one of the things I obviously need to add to my game."
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