Hansi Flick Supports Xabi Alonso’s Future in Management

On Wednesday, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his belief that Xabi Alonso will quickly find a new position in management, praising the recently departed Real Madrid coach for his potential career ahead.

Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid after a brief tenure of 233 days, concluding his role following a 3-2 defeat to Flick’s Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final last weekend. During his time at Madrid, Alonso achieved 24 victories in 34 matches, suffering only six losses, after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unexpected Bundesliga title in 2024.

“This is football,” Flick remarked during a news conference when asked about Alonso’s replacement by Álvaro Arbeloa. “I have a strong rapport with Xabi; we met in Leverkusen when I was the national coach, and we’ve maintained our connection. He is a fantastic coach, but in football, we must accept these changes. He will undoubtedly find his next significant project, along with his team.”

Having forged their friendship while Flick was in charge of the German national team, the two became rivals last summer when Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid. In their first encounter, Alonso’s Madrid secured a 2-1 victory in the LaLiga Clásico in October, but Flick’s Barcelona exacted revenge in the Supercopa last Sunday.

Flick’s comments were made ahead of Thursday’s matchup against Segunda División leaders Racing Santander in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. He indicated that new loan signing João Cancelo could make his second debut for the club following his previous stint in Catalonia during the 2023-24 season. “It’s on our minds that he can play some minutes, yes,” Flick added regarding the full-back, who joined from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal until the season’s end. “João is an exceptional player, very professional, and possesses significant quality, particularly in attack. This is what we need. We require players who can excel in the final third when facing opponents.”

Flick also noted that it is likely Joan García will start in goal, despite having given Marc-André ter Stegen minutes in the previous round against Guadalajara. In recent weeks, Flick has emphasized that García is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, with sources indicating that Ter Stegen may be allowed to leave Barcelona this month if he wishes, as Wojciech Szczesny is available to step in as needed.