European soccer experienced a curious meeting full of gestures of cordiality. It wasn't a match or an international draw, but rather a coaches' meeting organized by RFEF that brought together several top-level managers. Hansi Flick, current coach of FC Barcelona, and Xabi Alonso, new manager on Real Madrid's bench, met there for the first time.
Both arrived smiling, shared hugs, and were seen chatting animatedly for several minutes. However, those who expected the conversation to revolve around the Spanish clásico were surprised: the main topic was something entirely different.
Ten Hag's unexpected fall
According to MB, the conversation began with a question from Flick to Xabi Alonso. He wanted to know if he was aware of what happened with Erik Ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen, his former club.
The Dutch manager had been dismissed abruptly just two matchdays after the Bundesliga started, in a decision that surprised the entire soccer world.
"Do you already know about Ten Hag?" was reportedly the phrase Flick used to break the ice. Alonso, with a look of disbelief, replied by explaining that the speed of the dismissal had left him perplexed. Both agreed that it was a hasty move and that it showed the lack of patience in certain projects in the Bundesliga.
A conversation that lasted
What seemed like a brief reference turned into an extensive conversation. Flick and Alonso exchanged views on the pressure surrounding benches in today's soccer. In many cases, sports projects don't have enough time to become established.
Barça's coach was especially interested in Xabi's perspective. No one knows Bayer Leverkusen as well as he does after coaching there for two years. Both managers shared points of view on squad management and the influence of sporting directors.
No sign of the clásico
The most striking thing about the meeting was what didn't happen. At no time did Flick and Alonso talk about FC Barcelona or Real Madrid. Even though expectations were focused on a possible exchange of views about the eternal rivalry in Spanish soccer, the managers avoided any comment related to their current clubs.
The tone was always relaxed, with smiles and an atmosphere that reflected the mutual respect between two coaches who in the future will star in exciting duels in Spain and Europe. Both preferred to keep cordiality and set aside the tension of the clásico, at least for one day.