Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in Xabi Alonso’s coaching credentials and predicted a bright future for the Basque tactician, despite Real Madrid’s decision to part ways with him less than eight months into his tenure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey last 16 tie at Racing Santander, Flick offered a measured assessment of Alonso’s departure from Madrid, emphasising the quality and potential of a coach who had previously guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024.
“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 told reporters.
The German coach’s comments came just days after Barcelona defeated Alonso’s Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, a result that appeared to accelerate the upheaval at the capital club. A day after the defeat, Los Blancos confirmed they had agreed terms with Alonso to leave his position and announced the appointment of former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
Alonso’s brief spell at Real Madrid marked a stark contrast to his remarkable success at Leverkusen, where he transformed the club into Bundesliga champions and European contenders during a single season that saw his side go unbeaten in domestic competition. The 42-year-old former midfielder, who enjoyed illustrious playing careers at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, had been widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches before taking charge at the Bernabéu.
His departure after such a short tenure has raised questions about the pressures and expectations that accompany managing one of world football’s most demanding institutions, particularly in the shadow of the club’s storied history and recent successes under previous managers.
Flick, however, was careful to distance himself from the internal politics of Madrid’s decision-making while making clear his respect for Alonso both as a coach and as a colleague within the profession.
“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 national coach, I always stayed in contact with him. He’s a fantastic coach.”
The Barcelona boss drew on his experience as Germany’s national team coach, a role he held before joining Barcelona, to underline the professional connection he had maintained with Alonso over recent years. Flick’s endorsement carries weight within European football circles, given his own track record of success, including leading Bayern Munich to a historic treble in 2020.
“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,” Flick added.
The sudden change at Real Madrid has sent ripples through Spanish and European football, with observers noting the brevity of Alonso’s tenure as indicative of the increasingly volatile nature of elite coaching positions. Arbeloa, who spent a decade at Real Madrid as a player and won multiple Champions League titles with the club, now faces the challenge of steadying the ship and restoring confidence in a squad that has underperformed relative to expectations this season.
Meanwhile, Flick confirmed that Barcelona’s new loan signing João Cancelo could feature in Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against second division leaders Racing Santander. The Portuguese full-back, known for his attacking prowess and versatility, has arrived at the Catalan club on a temporary deal that runs until the end of the season.
“João is a fantastic football player, with a lot of quality in attack and this is what we need,” Flick said. “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.”
Cancelo’s arrival is expected to bolster Barcelona’s options in wide areas as the club pursues silverware across multiple competitions. The former Manchester City and Bayern Munich defender has extensive experience at the highest levels of European football and is seen as a tactical asset capable of providing width and creativity in the final third.
Flick’s Copa del Rey campaign continues as Barcelona travel to face Racing Santander, with the Catalan giants looking to build on their Spanish Super Cup triumph and maintain momentum in their pursuit of domestic and continental honours. The victory over Real Madrid in the Super Cup final has reinvigorated Barcelona’s season and underscored Flick’s impact since taking charge of the club.
