David Alaba credits Pep Guardiola for his phenomenal transition to center-back

With everyone so impressed on how teenager Alphonso Davies has started as Bayern Munich’s new left-back, it seems like David Alaba has fallen a bit under the radar. Alaba has been phenomenal so far in his new role at center-back and has been a huge influence in Bayern Munich’s recent clean sheet performances. In an interview with Bild, David Alaba gave credit to Pep Guardiola for his transition to a central defender saying,

I still profit greatly from my time with Pep Guardiola. I take a lot away from that time. I try to interpret the role of center-back in such a way that I can play to my strengths like speed and passing.

Alaba has certainly brought his strengths to his new position at center-back. He’s not only defending at a high level but also delivering brilliant diagonal balls and incisive through-balls to teammates up the field.

Guardiola is not the only manager Alaba credited for Bayern’s recent success. Alaba also praised Hansi Flick saying,

When you receive so much confidence from the coach and club, then you try to carry out every instruction especially well. The coach always replays scenes from the last game where we could do better standing higher up as a line.

He also talked about the human element of Hansi Flick and their personal relationship. Alaba said,

Hansi gives us a great deal of trust. The human element is a major factor with him. He’s first rate as a human being, a super guy, very, very good in interacting with us. Hansi manages to get everyone to give his best!

From the way Bayern Munich have been playing lately, with a 4-0 victory over Dortmund and sound wins over Fortuna Dusseldorf and Olympiacos, it is definitely noticeable that they are now playing with a greater deal of confidence. It’s evident both in their game play and the results.

Flick was sure to return the favor and praise David Alaba and his recent performances. He said,

I’m very satisfied, because David is someone who leads the back line, who always issues commands.

It will be interesting to see how Bayern fares without Alaba tomorrow in Belgrade, since Alaba has remained behind in anticipation of the birth of his child with partner Shalimar Heppner.