Hincapié: from Xabi Alonso’s pupil to Mikel Arteta’s cornerstone – and on “a player with extraordinary qualities”

Piero Hincapié has gone from being shaped under Xabi Alonso to becoming a key figure for Mikel Arteta. Atlético Madrid explored a move for the Ecuadorian last summer, but it was Arsenal who ultimately secured him on loan, with a $56 million purchase option. His performances in his first Premier League season – particularly at left back – have all but guaranteed his stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond this year, perhaps with one or even two major trophies to show for it.

Ahead of the first leg against Atlético, the 24-year-old spoke to AS and a group of Spanish media outlets about the European showdown with Diego Simeone’s side. A regular starter in 27 of his 34 appearances this season, Hincapié also addressed the speculation linking him with a move to Madrid last summer. “It’s very nice that big clubs want you in their squad,” he said.

On Martin Ødegaard’s influence, Hincapié was clear: “He’s a player with extraordinary qualities. Obviously, he gives us a lot in attack. But we have a very deep squad, so whoever plays in his position can do the job in their own way. We don’t think it affects us, but you do miss a player like that on the field.”

Asked whether Arsenal’s Champions League history weighs on the team, he downplayed the idea. “I don’t know if it weighs on us, but we have a strong team and we’ve had a good run. Reaching the semifinals means two different games, home and away, and we need to do things the right way if we want to be there again – in a final.”

Reflecting on last summer’s transfer window and his adaptation under Arteta, he added: “I don’t spend much time on social media. I speak with my agent. I don’t know if there was a real offer, but it’s always nice when big clubs are interested. Thank God I chose this club, with a great coach. Everything went very well from the start, and they helped me adapt quickly.”

The presence of Spanish-speaking teammates and staff also eased his transition. “Yes, of course. The players who’ve been here longer, the ones who speak Spanish, and the staff – most of them speak Spanish – were very important for me at the beginning. They helped me understand what the coach needed from me.”

On whether Arsenal’s packed schedule is an advantage or disadvantage compared to Atlético’s rest, Hincapié remained pragmatic. “I don’t know. We’re just focused on the next game. This is the Champions League – a different kind of game – and everyone wants to play. It’s extra motivation for all of us.”

He also praised Julián Álvarez, who remains a doubt due to injury. “He’s an incredible player, very complete, very intelligent. But whether he plays or not, we just have to focus on the team Atlético puts out and counter them.”

Arsenal’s recent dip – eight goals conceded and only four scored in the last month – hasn’t gone unnoticed. “The season becomes more difficult with so many games. We love keeping clean sheets, but we also need to improve in attack to give fans the joy of seeing goals.”

To rediscover their early-season form, his message is simple: “We have to approach it as if the league just started again and go back to our beginnings. We did a good job early on, but things get harder. We need to stay focused on doing things right and not conceding.”

Tactical flexibility, he explained, depends largely on the opponent. “We always have a plan and want to press high and win the ball back, but it’s hard to sustain that for 90 or 120 minutes. We work to keep pushing forward.”

Finally, on learning under two Spanish coaches, Hincapié was emphatic. “They are both extraordinary. I learned a lot from Xabi, and that gave me the foundation to come here and adapt well. Mikel has helped me in every way. Beyond being great coaches, they’re great people – and that means a lot to me.”

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