Xabi Alonso is preparing for his first-ever Madrid derby as manager. He is coming up against a man who's seen his fair share of derbies, Diego Simeone.
Diego Simeone is iconic to the Madrid derby. He has been the Atlético Madrid manager for 14 years now, a tenure that not many in the world can match.
In that time, Real Madrid has had seven different managers:
Real Madrid managers since Diego Simeone was hired at Atlético Madrid
1. José Mourinho
2. Carlo Ancelotti (twice)
3. Rafael Benítez
4. Zinedine Zidane (twice)
5. Julen Lopetegui
6. Santiago Solari
7. Xabi Alonso (current)
Xabi Alonso doesn't aspire to be like Diego Simeone
When asked about coming up against such an experienced coach, Xabi Alonso made his stance clear: He appreciates what Diego Simeone has done at Atlético Madrid, but he also recognizes the two are at very different stages of their careers.
In his own words, Alonso said: "What he has done is very important. I’m just starting out, I like to take it step by step. I don’t set myself such long-term goals.”
This is the right mentality to have. When Xabi Alonso gets into the territory of comparing himself, or being compared by others to others, there is no end to that dangerous game.
Truth be told, the only person Xabi Alonso should compare himself to is the Xabi Alonso of yesterday. He was only appointed a few months ago, and has already surpassed many hurdles.
Real Madrid sit top of La Liga table, and deservedly so. With everything going against them, injuries and suspensions mostly, Xabi Alonso has come out the other end unscathed, and if anything, Real Madrid is stronger.
Real Madrid is yet to lose a domestic or European game under Xabi Alonso. The night is still young, but that's a record he will proudly boast.
The worst club in the world to lose that record to would be Atlético Madrid, who obviously have eyes on taking it away from Alonso.
The home team has only won two Liga games this season, out of a potential six. Woeful record, and it's unlikely to change this weekend if we're being completely frank.
So, Xabi Alonso might not want to compare himself to Diego Simeone, but he will want to make his presence in Madrid known to the Argentine this weekend.