Former Real Madrid star backs Xabi Alonso after derby loss vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

In a recent interview with Erem News (h/t MARCA), former Real Madrid player Christian Karembeu talked about Xabi Alonso and the aftermath of the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Karembeu notably backed Alonso after the heavy 5-2 loss, which was the first defeat for Real Madrid this season.

The Frenchman also talked about next month’s match-up between Hansi Flick and Xabi Alonso, and it appears he already has a favourite.

What Karembeu said about Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid

Talking about Real Madrid’s defeat to Atletico Madrid, Karembeu believes it is only a matter of time before Alonso’s men roars back into form.

“Alonso knows his job well and has already shown with Leverkusen that he is capable of building a strong team. He is a former Real Madrid player and understands the nature of the derby,” he said.

“Yes, defeats hurt, but they are an opportunity to learn and evolve, both individually and collectively. Atlético remain a fierce contender for the title, so this defeat is just one step in a long journey,” he added.

Karembeu’s statements are quite similar to what Dani Carvajal told the press after the Real Madrid, admitting that the loss to Atletico Madrid will help the team wake up and become better.

As someone who has played for Olympiacos for three years, Karembeu believes the Greek side can give a strong fight to Real Madrid later this season.

Karembeu expects Xabi Alonso to find his feet after Atletico Madrid defeat. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“It’s always fantastic to challenge big clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona. We have these two champions that we’ll be playing against, first at home against Real Madrid and then also in Barcelona,” he said about Olympiacos’ league phase opponents.

“It won’t be easy, we’ll try to fight. And, of course, it’s obvious that any match starts with the objective of winning.

“Knowing that these two teams, Barcelona and Madrid, have more experience in the Champions League and in winning it, we are simply a competitor, an outsider who will try to give our best to win the match,” he added.

Finally, Karembeu talked about next month’s big Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the Frenchman notably predecting Alonso to break Flick’s dominant streak.

“Xabi Alonso knows his job very well and already showed that at Leverkusen. He’s a former Real Madrid player and knows what El Clasico means, and he knows what he needs to do.

“It’s clear that it will be a challenge for Flick in the end. Besides, they both know each other well too. That’s why El Clasico will be a great clash,” he concluded.