Real Madrid legend Guti has come to the defense of head coach Xabi Alonso following the team’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinals.
Despite the disappointing exit, Guti expressed his continued support for Alonso during an interview with DAZN:
“Xabi knows that managing Real Madrid means every detail matters—but I stand by him. I support him.”
Guti urged fans and critics not to judge Alonso’s work solely based on the Club World Cup performance:
“It’s true that this one got away from him, but we’ll see a different Real Madrid soon. I’m convinced of it.”
Guti also praised PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, a player he once coached during his time at Real Madrid’s academy.
“Achraf was a joy to watch even back then,” Guti said. “When he came to me asking if he could play, I told him, ‘Are you kidding? We’re trying to keep you here!’ He was already something special.”
Reflecting on Hakimi’s growth, Guti added:
“It’s incredible how much he’s matured—both within his team and on a personal level. Watching him now is a real spectacle.”
He concluded with high praise:
“I told him after the match, and I’ll say it again—right now, he’s the best right-back in the world.”
