Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has come out in defence of Jose Mourinho, saying that the Portuguese was a good communicator.

Mourinho's final season in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu was surrounded by conflict, most notably were his fallouts with Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

Alonso, though, says that the Chelsea coach never lost the dressing room during his time at the club, and praised the coach's ability to get a message across.

"He's someone who can touch a chord and knows how to perfectly transmit messages in the dressing room. He is a good communicator," he told So Foot.

"He knows how and when to make quick decisions which can change the outcome of a game."

Alonso is currently sitting on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery and he will miss out on the Confederations Cup for Spain.