Guti Defends Xabi Alonso After Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Exit: “I’m With Him”
Real Madrid legend Guti has come out in strong support of manager Xabi Alonso following Los Blancos’ shock 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
The heavy loss sparked widespread criticism of Alonso’s tactics and Madrid’s performance, but Guti insists that one result should not define the former midfield maestro’s tenure at the helm.
“Xabi knows that as Real Madrid manager, everything counts. But I’m with him, I’m with him,” Guti told DAZN after the match.
“You can’t judge Xabi Alonso’s work in this Club World Cup by everything we’ve said. It’s true that he lets it slip, but we’ll see another Real Madrid—and I’m convinced that’s how it will be.”
The defeat was one of the club’s worst in recent international competitions, but Guti emphasized patience, backing Alonso to turn things around and reshape Madrid’s identity in the coming months.
“Best Right-Back in the World” – Guti Praises Achraf Hakimi
Guti also took a moment to heap praise on Achraf Hakimi, the PSG wing-back who played a starring role in the rout and was once under Guti’s guidance at Real Madrid’s academy.
“Achraf is a spectacle. He already was when he came down to the youth setup. He once told me, ‘Hey, let’s see if I can play,’ and I replied, ‘How? Let’s see if we can keep you here,’ because it was a spectacle to watch him,” Guti recalled fondly.
He continued:
“It’s incredible how much he’s matured, both with his team and personally. It’s a spectacle to watch him now. I’ve already told him after the match, and I’ll say it again—for me, he’s the best right-back in the world right now.”
Hakimi’s dominant display only added salt to Madrid’s wounds, but also served as a reminder of the talent the club once had within its own ranks.
Despite the defeat, Guti’s words are a firm reminder that the Real Madrid legend fraternity still backs Xabi Alonso—and believes better days lie ahead at the Bernabéu.
