Xabi Alonso has paid tribute to his former coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in glowing terms about Alonso in the build-up to Saturday's clash, and the Real Sociedad B coach reciprocated this sentiment on Friday.
"With Carlo [Ancelotti] I had the chance to work in two different spells, at Real Madrid and at Bayern Munich, and I had a very close relationship with him, with his staff, his son," Alonso told the press.
"They are very warm and affectionate people. We spoke a lot about football experiences, like the Istanbul final [in 2005]. I am grateful for his words and I continue following him."
Alonso went on to state that in spite of the high regard in which he holds the Italian, he hopes that Real Sociedad will come out on top on Saturday.
"He is doing a great job, his team have a great energy, but I hope that this is not the case tomorrow and that Real Sociedad have a good match and get a good result," Alonso said.
Real Madrid currently lead Real Sociedad in the LaLiga Santander standings by seven points.
MUI__SonGoku
160
Real Sociedad and Villarreal play like it’s their last day on this earth against Real Madrid, while they are just a puppet for Barca!! FACT!!!!
themainman
82
not related but I wish for PSG vs Bayern in the KO stages.
JÙŚŤĆHÌĹĹ2006
63
Despite everything RM has been through they are still one of the best😍😍
MadridMaldives
55
Who remembers suspended Xabi Alonso running down the touchline to join his team-mates in celebration of Gareth Bale's goal during the Champions League final win against Atletico in 2014 that lead him to a one-match ban by UEFA? What an incredible night was that for Madridismo!
riyad2222
13
Real Sociedad and Villarreal play like it’s their last day on this earth against Real Madrid, while they are just a puppet for Barca!! FACT!!!!
not to say fact say FACTOS bro