The ex-Spain international is impressed by the pace of the German game and has stressed Bayern want to win the Champions League this term

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso feels the Bundesliga is much quicker than La Liga and added that playing in the German top flight reminds him of his time in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old enjoyed successful spells with Liverpool and Real Madrid, winning the Champions League with each club, before joining Bayern ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and he has no regrets over his decision to move to the Allianz Arena side.

“The Bundesliga is much quicker; it’s more physical than La Liga, which is more technical,” the midfielder told Uefa.com.

“I’ve said a few times the Bundesliga is closer to the Premier League than the Liga.

“But the atmosphere and the stadiums are fantastic, and that plays a big role in how attractive it is for a player.”

The experienced midfielder then went on to discuss Bayern’s Champions League ambitions and insisted that they are determined to go all the way.

“Last year Bayern were really close to getting to the final. In recent years they have had great runs and hopefully this will be another great year.

“But the expectations are to win it; you know you are coming into a club with the highest expectations. It’s a great responsibility, a great pressure for us.”

Alonso also took the time to praise Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.

“Pep 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.”