In Madrid, they don’t forget Xabi Alonso! – Courtois recently highlighted that he was very happy with Xabi Alonso’s training methods.
Thibaut Courtois has once again defended Xabi Alonso following his recent statements about the disappearance of the Real Madrid coach in January 2026. The Belgian goalkeeper recalled the good relationship he had with the manager, making it clear that, in his opinion, he was not solely responsible for the problems that ultimately led to his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.
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The statements made by the 34-year-old goalkeeper reopen the debate about an era that barely lasted 232 days. Alonso left the club after managing 34 official matches – but he still has supporters in the Madrid squad.
Morgan Rogers scores, Xabi Alonso cheers 🎉 We’re getting used to seeing this for @ChelseaFC 💙
Courtois explains why Xabi Alonso didn’t succeed at Real Madrid
The goalkeeper admitted that he liked Alonso’s methods and highlighted his ability to prepare for training. At the same time, he admitted that not all players were comfortable with the way he handled the dressing room.
Courtois believes that coaches often bear a large part of the responsibility when results don’t go their way, even though a team’s problems can have many different causes.
He also recalled his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the 2023/24 Bundesliga without losing a single game. A precedent that, in his opinion, shows that his departure from Real Madrid does not call into question the Spanish coach’s competence.
Mourinho is also supported by Courtois
The Belgian’s statements also shed light on his views on José Mourinho, the current Real Madrid coach with whom he was at Chelsea in the 2014/15 season.
Courtois explained that the Portuguese has developed in his relationship with the players, and that today he perceives him as more relaxed – although he retains his personality and authority.
The goalkeeper welcomed him back to the Santiago Bernabéu, and even recalled an anecdote related to the first message Mourinho sent him: it took two weeks for him to respond, because he hadn’t seen it.
Xabi Alonso now has a new challenge at Chelsea
Courtois’ support comes at a time when Alonso has already started a new chapter at Chelsea. The Spanish coach took over the London project in the summer of 2026, and has the opportunity to show what he is capable of in the Premier League.
So far, the goalkeeper’s statements do not point to a possible return to Real Madrid or future negotiations. But they do show that parts of the squad believe that Alonso’s departure was not necessarily the solution to all the team’s problems.
Xabi Alonso still has supporters at Real Madrid, but his immediate future is in England. What he delivers at Chelsea will be the best response to the doubts that arose after his departure from the Bernabéu.
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