Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has given his opinion on successor Xabi Alonso’s start to life in the Spanish capital as manager. The Brazil coach felt that any criticism of Alonso was overblown, after what is on paper a good start.
Alonso arrived in difficult circumstances, with a half-fit squad and a Club World Cup to play, which shortened his preseason before the current campaign kicked off. Speaking in an interview with Diario AS, Ancelotti coincided with the general perception that Alonso had appeared as if he would make a fine coach during his playing days.
“Xabi, yes. Absolutely. I had him at Bayern too. A footballer with great vision. I was convinced he could do very well… and he is doing very well.”
‘One thing I learned at Madrid is…’ – Ancelotti
Los Blancos have won 13 of their 16 games so far this season, with two defeats against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, the former bookended by a draw away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Ancelotti said that that little more could be asked of Alonso.
“I can’t give him any advice. I watch all of Real Madrid’s matches because I want to see how the Brazilians are doing, and I think the team is doing very well. They’ve won almost every game, but unfortunately, you can’t always win in football. Sometimes you have to draw.”
Alonso has had a largely successful start.
Image via Denis Doyle/Getty Images
“One thing I learned at Real Madrid is that a draw here is the prelude to a crisis (smiles). No jokes. You have to get used to it. We already know that the best way to evaluate a coach is through results, and so far, the results have been spectacular. They’re top of the league and among the top eight in the Champions League. What more can we ask of Xabi!”
Alonso has fixed key issue for Real Madrid last season
One of the reasons Ancelotti cited for Real Madrid’s struggles in his final year was injuries, losing his entire starting back four to injury for large swathes of the season. Losing that solid base was key in the Italian’s eyes, and Ancelotti was of the opinion that Alonso would be a success at the Bernabeu.
“Obviously, yes. I see a solid team, especially at the back, and very strong in attack. Mbappe is doing very well and Bellingham is back. I think Xabi can succeed without any problem.”
Arguably the biggest issue for Alonso so far has not been the results, but the fact that a lot of the criticism of his management appears to be emanating from the dressing room. After Vinicius Junior’s outburst, there has been a string of reports suggesting that things could be better at Valdebebas.