Barcelona boss Flick reacts to Real Madrid sacking Xabi Alonso: ‘Fantastic coach, but it’s part of football’ | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has offered his perspective on the sudden dismissal of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, choosing respect and restraint over controversy. 

Speaking to the media ahead of Barça’s Copa del Rey round of 16 clash against Racing Santander, the German acknowledged the harsh nature of modern football while making it clear that he prefers to stay away from debates surrounding decisions taken by rival clubs.

Alonso’s exit came swiftly, less than 24 hours after Real Madrid were defeated by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. 

What did Flick say?

The timing of the decision inevitably drew attention, especially given the magnitude of the Clasico and the pressure that follows such high-profile defeats. 

Flick, however, avoided adding fuel to the discussion and instead focused on professionalism and empathy for a fellow coach.

When asked directly about Alonso’s sacking after El Clasico, Flick was respectful. 

He highlighted his personal relationship with the Spaniard and underlined his admiration for his work. 

“It’s not my business. I have a very good relationship with Xabi. He’s a fantastic coach. I wish him all the best in his next big project. All the best for him.” 

The discussion did not end there, as Flick was pressed on a broader issue that affects coaches across the game. 

Xabi Alonso was dismissed by Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

When questioned about whether managers are dismissed too easily in modern football, he once again chose honesty without controversy. 

“It’s part of football. The club has to believe in you, and so does the team. Those who make the decisions have to do so.” 

Flick then drew a line, explaining why he did not want to expand further. “But it’s not my business.

“I don’t want to talk about it, because a coach’s job is very complicated. We have a lot of responsibilities.”

On Alvaro Arbeloa

In the aftermath of Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid confirmed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new first-team coach. 

Arbeloa, who had been working with Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025, is deeply familiar with the club’s structure and youth system. 

Asked briefly for his thoughts on the former Madrid defender, Flick kept his response short and neutral. “He played against me once when he was a player, and I was a coach.”

Flick was also reminded of his strong recent record against Real Madrid, but he refused to take satisfaction from past results. 

“(Laughs). Sometimes you have to enjoy situations because things can change quickly. The people of Barcelona are fantastic,” he concluded.

Source: AS