Barcelona coach Hansi Flick says Xabi Alonso has a “great future” and will soon land another major project despite his abrupt departure from rivals Real Madrid.
BARCELONA coach Hansi Flick believes Xabi Alonso has a “great future” in management despite his dismissal by rivals Real Madrid this week.
Flick’s comments came ahead of his side’s Copa del Rey last-16 tie at Racing Santander on Thursday.
“He’s a fantastic coach and also has a great future,” Flick told a news conference.
The Basque coach was replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa at Madrid on Monday, a day after his team lost to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Alonso’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu lasted less than eight months.
Flick, who knows Alonso from his time as Germany coach, believes the former midfielder will soon secure another top role.
“I have a very good relationship with Xabi,” explained Flick.
“I met him at Leverkusen, when I was the national coach, I always stayed in contact with him.”
The Barcelona boss said the nature of football means such managerial changes must be accepted.
“I wish him all the best and I think he will get a new one, a big project for him and his team,” he added.
Alonso had previously led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024.
Flick also confirmed new loan signing Joao Cancelo could feature against second-division leaders Racing Santander.
The coach said he hopes to utilise the full-back’s attacking qualities for the remainder of the season.
“Joao is a fantastic football player, with a lot of quality in attack and this is what we need,” said Flick.
“When the opponent is deep in their own territory, we have to overcome them and we need quality and he’s a good option for that.”
