Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta back Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid exit | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid on Monday drew a chorus of support from rival coaches at their press conferences.

According to L'Équipe, Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta and Manuel Pellegrini all addressed the news and praised the Spaniard’s work.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he knows Alonso well from his time at Leverkusen when Flick was Germany coach, and that they have stayed in touch. He wished him well, adding that he thinks Alonso will find a new job and a major project for himself and his staff. Flick described him as a fantastic coach with a bright future.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta offered best wishes, calling Alonso a great person and an incredible coach. He said he is sure that whatever Alonso chooses to do next will again be excellent.

Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini said he was sorry for Alonso and argued that judging a job after three or four months is not fair. He added that he does not have all the information behind the decision.

Pellegrini noted that Madrid remained in contention in three competitions, were four points off the leaders, and were still in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. He felt the project needed time, with inevitable highs and lows, and said it depends on the board’s maturity to know how long to stay the course.

Source: L'Équipe