'It goes both ways' – Alonso responds to Laporta's Madrid comments
Xabi Alonso has defended Real Madrid after Barcelona president Joan Laporta said there was a "feeling of power" at the Bernabeu.
After claiming there was a "feeling of power" at Real Madrid, Barcelona president Joan Laporta came under fire from Xabi Alonso.
Alonso, who spent five years in Madrid as a player, returned to the Spanish capital to take over from Carlo Ancelotti after a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen.
And despite the date for his first taste of the Clasico yet to be announced, the Madrid boss has already exchanged in a war of words off the pitch with Barca president Laporta.
Earlier on Thursday, Laporta told Mundo Deportivo that rivals Madrid have a model of "power" when it comes to signing players that contrasts with how the Catalan club is run.
"We have a profoundly different approach and spirit. They embody a sense of power, while we carry forward a strong identity," Laporta said.
"Each defends what they believe in. Our rivalry is born out of mutual respect and institutional pride. Our basis is youth development. We cultivate talents that emerge from within.
"They, on the other hand, operate more through the market, rarely producing their own players. This makes us proud of who we are. We are more than just a club."
Madrid have already welcomed the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono ahead of their ongoing Club World Cup campaign.
Laporta's comments come after Hansi Flick led Barca's young team to a domestic treble last season, while Madrid endured their first trophyless season since 2020-21.
Alonso did not want to be drawn into a debate on the issue, but replied to Laporta by suggesting the clubs are not that different.
"I imagine the context, and I don't want to get into that, but we have a sense of democracy [at Real], of freedom as well, and, I imagine they have some notion of being close to power too. It goes both ways," he said.
"It's the most prestigious team in the world. Its history speaks for itself, wherever you go. And this is what makes Madrid great. And these are factors that help Madrid achieve more, helps push the club forward.
"It's a privilege and an honour to be part of this club. I will try to achieve our goals and enhance our legend."
