Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso had praised his old team and said they will be in the hunt for major honours at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old played for Bayern Munich on Wednesday as the Bavarian side beat Los Blancos 1-0 to lift the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena and afterwards took time out to speak to reporters about his ex-team.
The defensive midfielder said Madrid are in safe hands under new boss Rafa Benitez, who Alonso played for at Liverpool, and will be in the mix for La Liga and the Champions League.
“Madrid are going to keep fighting for trophies because they have a great team and a great coach,” he commented.
Having played for both Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, Alonso is in the best position to comment on who is the best coach between the two of them. But he refused to be drawn on the subject.
“I’m proud of the coaches I’ve had, but I won’t say if Pep Guardiola is better than Jose Mourinho. Every great club is criticised when they win. We have a great coaching staff. This is a great club with a great demand,” he said.
Finally, he spoke about the departure of Iker Casillas to Porto, saying: “He’s a legend at Madrid and as the years pass he’ll be more appreciated. I wish him well.”
