Flick Backs Alonso’s Future After Real Madrid Exit

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addressed Xabi Alonso’s exit from Real Madrid on Wednesday, insisting that the former midfielder remains a top-level coach with a promising future ahead of him.

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Racing Santander, Hansi Flick Barcelona reflected on Alonso’s sudden departure and stressed that such developments are part of the game.

Flick’s Barcelona had defeated Alonso’s Xabi Alonso Real Madrid side in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. The next day, Madrid announced the departure of Alonso and replaced him with Álvaro Arbeloa. Although the situation was uncharacteristic, Flick made it a point to highlight Alonso’s positive qualities, even though Alonso had to leave the club.

“We have to continue, we have to think about what we can do better, but he’s a fantastic coach and also has a great future,” Flick said during the press conference.

The period of Alonso at Madrid was less than eight months. He came in with significant momentum as he had guided Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title without defeat in 2024. Flick believes the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich player will not be out of work for long.

“This is football, and it’s not my business, but what I can say is that I have a very good relationship with Xabi,” Flick explained.

“I met him at Leverkusen, when I was the (German) national coach, and I always stayed in contact with him. He’s a fantastic coach.”

Flick acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football management and offered his best wishes to Alonso for the next phase of his career.

“This is football, we have to accept these things. I wish him all the best, and I think he will get a new one, a big project for him and his team.”

As for Barcelona, Flick ensured that the loaned Joao Cancelo was fit to play in the following cup game. He highlighted the attacking qualities of Cancelo and said the Portuguese full-back may prove an important asset for the rest of the season.

“Joao is a fantastic football player, with a lot of quality in attack and this is what we need,” Flick added.

“When the opponent is (deep in their own territory), we have to (overcome) them, and we need quality, and he’s a good option for that.”