Former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that his time at the Santiago Bernabeu ended earlier than he expected.
After Alonso established himself as a top manager at Bayer Leverkusen, Los Blancos took a punt on the Spaniard at the beginning of last season.
However, Xabi’s time at the club started brightly during the Club World Cup before eventually fading away, leading to his sacking in January after the Spanish Super Cup final.
Alonso believes he deserved more time at Real Madrid
In a recent interview, Alonso reflected on his departure and the unusual demands of managing Madrid.
“I felt as though it finished a little bit earlier, before knowing if the season was going to end well,” Alonso explained (h/t Madrid Zone).
“It was the middle of the season. We were still in La Liga, the Champions League, but it was an experience.”
Alonso’s comments clearly indicate that the timing of his departure remains a disappointment, especially with Los Blancos still in the running for major trophies.
Xabi Alonso is doing well at Chelsea. (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
Despite the disappointment, the Chelsea manager insists that he holds no resentment towards the club.
“Real Madrid is special in everything. It is a little bit different to other clubs in everything,” he said.
“I learned from that, and I don’t look back in anger. I look back, thinking I tried and gave my best.”
Alonso’s comments highlight the pressure of managing Madrid
Alonso’s reflections show just how demanding the Madrid job can be for a new manager and that he looks back positively on the experience.
At the Bernabeu, competing for trophies is rarely enough on its own. Results, performances and the ability to manage a dressing room full of established stars are all paramount.
Jose Mourinho is the exact polar opposite to Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
His departure also raises a reasonable question about patience. Xabi came to Madrid with a clear plan and a desire to change the style of football at the club.
However, less than halfway through the campaign, Madrid lost patience and sacked him, only to turn to Alvaro Arbeloa.
Jose Mourinho’s subsequent appointment suggests the club felt they had made a mistake with Alonso and wanted to head in a completely different direction.
His tenure ended without the opportunity to complete the season, but Alonso has started well at Chelsea, and Madrid fans will wish him nothing but the best in his career.