Piero Hincapie is set for a Champions League reunion as Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. The tie holds particular significance for Hincapie, who returns to his parent club.
In the 2023/2024 season, Hincapie was a key part of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double-winning team, which completed the season without a single defeat.
Looking Forward to Seeing Familiar Faces
Currently on loan, the Ecuadorian international shared his anticipation about the upcoming match. “I was happy,” Piero told BILD, “(I) sent some messages to the guys from Leverkusen. It will be a special situation for me to play against the club where I had such a good time, but that’s football. It will certainly be nice to see everyone again.”
Hincapie’s journey at Leverkusen saw him evolve from a 19-year-old prospect into a regular starter. He credits the club with fostering his growth, both on and off the pitch.
“When I arrived in Leverkusen, I only spoke Spanish. Because of that, I was initially too shy to ask the physio for treatment. Now I laugh about it. That’s just one example of how much I’ve grown in Leverkusen, both as a footballer and as a person. I’m very grateful to the club for allowing me to develop so well there and leave a lasting mark with the double in 2023/2024.”
Hungry for Titles at Arsenal
Having experienced success with Leverkusen, Hincapie is eager to replicate that achievement with Arsenal. He believes Arsenal possess the essential ingredient for success: a strong desire for titles.
“Arsenal already have the most important thing: everyone here is incredibly hungry for titles. So we’re really all pulling in the same direction.
“The coaching staff’s plans are working out really well so far. It has to stay that way until the very last second, then we’ll have something to celebrate at the end of the season. I want to win every title, but the road is still long, the competition is fierce, and you always need a bit of luck. But we absolutely need a major title – no matter what.”
Impact of Alonso’s Mentality
Hincapie has the unique perspective of having been coached by both Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso. He noted Alonso’s transformative effect on Leverkusen, leading them to their first Bundesliga title with an unbeaten record.
“Xabi changed the team’s mentality,” Piero said of his former manager, “during the double-winning season, every single player truly wanted to win every game. Even when we were behind, we always believed we could win. Do you remember how many league games we won in stoppage time? That wasn’t a coincidence.”
Hincapie hopes to bring the winning mentality instilled in him by Alonso to Arsenal under Arteta’s guidance.
The two managers grew up as childhood friends, something our defender says was clear to see as soon as he joined us in the summer.
“You can tell. Their playing ph