Barcelona coach Hansi Flick spoke about Xabi Alonso’s recent departure from Real Madrid, emphasizing the former coach’s promising future in football despite his brief tenure at Los Blancos.
Flick Reflects on Alonso’s Exit from Real Madrid
Following Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, Real Madrid announced the departure of Xabi Alonso and appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor. Flick, who faced Alonso’s side in the final, acknowledged Alonso’s abilities and potential.
“We have to continue and think about how to improve, but Xabi is a fantastic coach with a great future ahead,” Flick said during a press conference before Barcelona’s Copa del Rey last 16 match against Racing Santander.
Brief Tenure at Real Madrid
Alonso, who previously won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, was in charge at Real Madrid for less than eight months. Despite this, Flick expressed confidence that Alonso will soon take on another significant coaching role.
“This is football, and while it’s not my business, I have a very good relationship with Xabi,” Flick explained. “I met him at Leverkusen when I was the German national coach, and we have stayed in contact. He’s a fantastic coach. I wish him all the best and believe he will find a new big project for himself and his team.”
Joao Cancelo’s Potential Impact at Barcelona
Flick also confirmed that Barcelona’s recent loan signing, Joao Cancelo, could feature in the upcoming Copa del Rey fixture against second division leaders Racing Santander.
“Joao is a fantastic football player with strong attacking qualities, which is exactly what we need,” Flick said. “When opponents defend deep, we must find ways to break them down, and his quality makes him a valuable option.”
