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.