Former Real Madrid coach backs Xabi Alonso, rules out return – ‘A fantastic coach and a marvellous person’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid assistant coach Davide Ancelotti has publicly thrown his support behind current head coach Xabi Alonso, offering warm words about both the man and the project during a recent appearance on El Chiringuito TV.

Ancelotti, who remains closely connected to the club despite stepping away from the Bernabeu bench, made it clear where his loyalties lie when discussing his relationship with Real Madrid and Alonso. 

Speaking openly, he said, “I am a fan of Real Madrid and a friend of Xabi Alonso.”

The former assistant did not stop there. He went on to praise Alonso not just as a tactician, but as a human being, highlighting the respect he has for the current coach leading Los Blancos.

“Xabi Alonso is a fantastic coach and a marvellous person. I wish him and Real Madrid the best.”

On Vinicius Jr.

Ancelotti was present at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Real Betis, a match that showcased the team’s attacking power but also reignited debate around the reception received by Vinicius Jr. 

The Brazilian winger was once again whistled by sections of the crowd when substituted, something that had already occurred in the previous home game against Sevilla.

Asked about the reaction from the stands, Ancelotti chose to strike a balanced tone. 

Rather than criticising the supporters outright, he defended the broader fanbase by pointing out that the whistles did not represent everyone inside the stadium.

Vinicius was booed by Santiago Bernabeu once again. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Not all of them, not all of them. [booed Vinicius].”

When pressed further on the issue, Ancelotti drew a firm line, making it clear he did not wish to fuel controversy around the situation.

“The fans whistling at Vinicius Jr.? About this matter, I won’t speak, I won’t speak about it.”

No return possible

The conversation later returned to the result itself, with Ancelotti adopting a lighter tone while reflecting on Real Madrid’s dominant performance. 

Smiling, he joked about his presence at the stadium, saying, “We won 5-1? Of course, the luck charm is here (smiles). I’m happy to bring luck to Real Madrid.”

Since leaving the club, Ancelotti has explored opportunities elsewhere, including a short spell at Botafogo, where he worked between July and December. 

Despite that experience, he made it clear that a return to Real Madrid in a coaching capacity is not something he is considering at this stage of his career.

“Taking over Real Madrid? No, I’m in a different stage of my career. I’m a Real Madrid fan and a friend of Xabi Alonso,” he said.