Flick keeps cool amid Madrid chaos - his words about Xabi Alonso might surprise you
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 14.01.26. | 21:17
With Arbeloa now in charge, Barcelona's coach reflects on rivalry, respect, and the pressure of big-club football
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke candidly about the sudden dismissal of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.
Alonso's exit, announced on Monday evening less than 24 hours after Barcelona's 3-2 Supercup victory over Los Blancos, has dominated headlines, but Flick kept his focus steady.
"When we play against them, I'll have had time to study them," Flick noted of Alvaro Arbeloa, Madrid's new man in charge.
On Alonso, he was very respectful: "This is football. I have a good relationship with Xabi. We met in Leverkusen and stayed in touch. I wish him all the best, he's a great coach with a bright future."
Pressed repeatedly on Real Madrid's internal shake-ups, Flick emphasised the harsh realities of a manager's life.
"It's part of football. Clubs and teams have to believe in you. Those who make decisions do what they feel is right. The job of a coach is difficult - many responsibilities, constant pressure, but we live with it."
Flick also reflected on the trust Barcelona president Joan Laporta has placed in him, contrasting it with Alonso's brief seven-month stint at Madrid.
"Football is about winning, especially at big clubs. From the first hours here, I felt a sense of family - players, staff, executives, even the fans. What we've built is special, and I really value it."
His stellar record against Real Madrid has made Flick a fan favourite in Catalonia: five wins in six encounters, including four out of four titles directly against their eternal rivals.
"You have to enjoy these moments because everything changes quickly. The people in Barcelona have been kind to me and my team, and we're aware of the responsibility. We work hard every day. The first title is won, but the next is already ahead of us."
Flick's focus now shifts to the Copa del Rey clash with Racing Santander on Thursday (11 pm), and El Clasico rivalry will resume with Arbeloa at Madrid, potentially with La Liga honours at stake - another chapter in Flick's ongoing duel with the Spanish giants.
SPAIN COPA DEL REY - ROUND OF 16
Tuesday
Cultural Leonesa - Athletic Bilbao 3-4 a.e.t. (3-3)
/Calero 16,27, Sobrino 41 pen - Guruzeta 26,38, Sancet 45+3 pen, Gomez 104 pen/
La Coruna - Atletico Madrid 0-1 (0-0)
/Griezmann 51/
Sociedad - Osasuna 4-3 on pen (2-2)
/Turrientes 75, Zubeldia 90+2 - Moncayola 4, Oyarzabal 17 og/
Wednesday
23.00: (2.55) Alaves (3.05) Rayo Vallecano (3.00)
23.00: (12.0) Albacete (6.50) Real Madrid (1.22)
23.00: (1.65) Betis (3.70) Elche (5.60)
Thursday
23.00: (4.00) Burgos (3.35) Valencia (2.00)
23.00: (10.0) Santander (6.50) Barcelona (1.25)
***odds are subject to change***
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