Xabi Alonso the best option for Real Madrid, insists ex-star – ‘He’s been with Ancelotti, Guardiola, Mourinho…’ | OneFootball

Speaking to MARCA, former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi claimed that Xabi Alonso is the best option for the club as far as the managerial role is concerned.

Alonso took over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti in June and has so far started off well, leading the team to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final before registering five wins in five games in all competitions in the new season.

And Illarramendi, who played with Alonso at Real Madrid during his time at the club believes that there is nobody better-equipped to lead the team than the 43-year-old manager.

“Xabi is the best option for Real Madrid,” insisted Illarramendi, who currently plays for Kitchee in Hong Kong.

Illarramendi with Carvajal and Xabi Alonso during his time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Explaining his stance, the former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad midfielder added: “He has had the best mentors. He’s been with Ancelotti, Guardiola, Mourinho… and he’ll have learned from all of them.”

The Spanish midfielder also iterated that Alonso’s past at Real Madrid will also give him an advantage, saying:

“He’s also a man of the house. They’re going to take another step forward with him.”

As mentioned previously, under Alonso, Real Madrid have won five games in five this season – four in La Liga, where they are at the top of the table, and one in the UEFA Champions League.

While not all performances have been totally convincing, there have been a lot of positives in the early parts of the season, and things seem to be headed in the right direction for the Basque manager.