Hansi Flick reacts to Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid: 'The club has to believe in you, and so does the team'
The FC Barcelona head coach shared his thoughts on his colleague’s departure in recent days.
The world of football is still reeling from the sudden dismissal of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid head coach. The decision came just hours after a pulsating Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, where FC Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-2 win. While the "Merengue" side fell into a spiral of internal conflict and tactical doubt, Barça manager Hansi Flick chose to take the high road, offering a professional and empathetic perspective on his colleague’s departure.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash against Racing de Santander, Flick addressed the ruthless nature of the coaching profession. His comments highlighted the stark contrast between the stability he has built in Catalonia and the chaos currently unfolding in the Spanish capital.
"This is football, and it’s not my business. What I can say is that I have a good relationship with Xabi; we met in Leverkusen and have stayed in touch. I wish him the best; I’m sure he will have a great project soon for him and his coaching staff. You have to keep going, but he is a great coach with a great future," Flick told the press.
The "Faith" Factor: Managing Egos at the Highest Level
One of the most telling parts of Flick’s press conference was his analysis of what a manager needs to survive at a club like Real Madrid or Barcelona. Reports suggest that Alonso’s downfall wasn't just the 3-2 loss, but his deteriorating relationship with superstars like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. Flick’s response seemed to touch upon this internal "mutiny."
"It’s part of football and we cannot change it. The club must believe in you and the team must too. Those who make the decisions must do what they feel is right, and Madrid has done it this way, but it’s not for me to judge. The job of a coach is very complicated; we have many responsibilities, but in the end, it’s part of our work and you have to live with it," the German strategist added.
The "Barça Family" vs. The Madrid Crisis
Since arriving at the Camp Nou, Hansi Flick has transformed the club’s atmosphere. In just a season and a half, he has already delivered four major trophies: one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups. When asked about his relationship with President Joan Laporta, Flick credited a "family" culture for his success—a direct contrast to the reported friction in the Madrid locker room.
"The feeling I had from my first hours here was very clear: one of working together. Now we feel like a family. It’s not just the players; it’s the staff, the club, the executives, Deco, the parents, and siblings. We are a big family and I value what we have built very much. I felt it in Saudi Arabia, and it’s a great situation. I value this culture immensely."
However, Flick remained humble, acknowledging that even with four trophies in his cabinet, the "Ancelotti or Alonso shadow" looms over every elite coach. "In the end, you never know what will happen. Things change; it could happen here too. Football depends on victories, and at big clubs, even more so."
Defending the Crown: The Road to Santander
With the Super Cup trophy already in the bag, Flick is now turning his attention to the Copa del Rey. Barcelona will face Racing de Santander away from home, and rotations are expected. Following the high-intensity final in Jeddah, Flick is likely to utilize an alternate starting XI to manage the physical load of his stars.
As the defending champions of the Copa del Rey, Barcelona’s goal is clear: a domestic treble. While Real Madrid searches for its identity under interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona looks more united, disciplined, and "familial" than ever.
