Xabi Alonso has commented on his departure from Real Madrid in an interview with Jamie Carragher, explaining that the decision came sooner than he had anticipated and without knowing if it would end well or badly. The former Spanish player and coach was dismissed in January, after the defeat against Barça in the Spanish Super Cup final, and his contract ended mid-season, when the club was still fighting for the League and the Champions League.
When referring to his time at the white club, Alonso described the experience as unique and special, highlighting that managing in Madrid is different from any other team. Despite the pressure, the Basque stated that he has no hard feelings and that he remembers his time there with the idea of having tried to give his best. “I tried, I tried to give my best,” he commented, underlining the lesson he learned during his administration.
Regarding his new stage, Alonso explained that he had no previous relationship with Chelsea, but that he saw great potential in the English club. “I thought we could change things and that it was the right time to start this journey together,” he said. He added that, after leaving Leverkusen and after a period of rest, he was looking for a new connection and a good sense of direction.
The former player was optimistic about his future at Chelsea, although no concrete details have been revealed about his contract or the tactical plans he has for the team. The interview concludes with Alonso stating that he is ready to face the challenges that await him at the Stamford Bridge stadium, without revealing any further information about the upcoming matches or the strategy to follow.