Real Madrid: José Mourinho defends Xabi Alonso

Europe 27 January 2026 at 15:00

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

28.01.26 FT Champions League

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José Mourinho did not shy away when asked about the current situation at Real Madrid and the recent departure of Xabi Alonso. True to his direct style, the Portuguese manager made a point of separating the man from the context, choosing instead to focus on the career and stature of the player he once worked with on European benches.

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"Xabi is one of my guys. I have only good memories of him," said José Mourinho,

before looking ahead: "

What he did at Leverkusen was a delight. What happened at Real Madrid doesn’t interest me. Nothing surprises me in football. I am sure his career will take a new direction and that he will be very happy. He is an excellent coach."

Without dwelling on the transition now underway in Madrid, with Álvaro Arbeloa taking over after Xabi Alonso's departure, Mourinho mainly praised a career he considers strong and promising, convinced that the former midfielder will bounce back far from the turbulence in Madrid.

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