Hansi Flick sent his best wishes to Real Madrid’s departing coach.
Flick was not surprised by Xabi Alonso’s sudden exit from his role as Real Madrid coach midway through the season. The Barcelona coach wished the Spaniard well for his future.
The day after losing 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Real announced Alonso’s departure. The club stated the decision was made by mutual consent, though it can easily be interpreted as a dismissal. Spanish media have reported it that way.
After incredible success as Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, Alonso took over at Real Madrid last June on a three-year contract. Under the former midfielder, Real started the new season strong, winning 13 of their first 14 matches across all competitions and reaching the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.
However, the European powerhouse later lost momentum, winning only two of eight matches across all competitions and suffering consecutive home defeats, increasing pressure on Alonso. Rumors of his sacking began to circulate.
Real eventually bounced back, winning five consecutive matches across competitions and reaching the Super Cup final against Barcelona in Jeddah last Sunday. The loss in El Clasico ultimately sealed Alonso’s exit.
Ahead of Copa del Rey’s round of 16 on Wednesday, Barcelona coach Flick was asked about Alonso’s departure. When questioned if he was surprised by it, the German coach avoided controversy.
“That’s football, and it’s not my place to comment. What I can say is that I have a good relationship with Xabi; we met and stayed in touch at Leverkusen. I wish him all the best,” he said.
“I’m sure he and his coaching staff will soon take on a great project. That’s football, we have to move forward. But he’s a fantastic coach, and his future is bright.”
