Barcelona sporting director reacts to Xabi Alonso’s sacking: ‘It surprised me’

Actual Madrid’s resolution to sack Xabi Alonso lower than 24 hours after their defeat to Barcelona within the Spanish Tremendous Cup ultimate despatched shockwaves throughout Spanish soccer.

The transfer shortly grew to become one of the vital mentioned subjects within the aftermath of the Clasico, and it was inevitably raised when Barcelona sporting director Deco spoke to El Larguero.

In the course of the interview, Deco supplied his evaluation of Barcelona’s present state of affairs, whereas additionally addressing the turbulence unfolding at their largest rivals.

Alonso’s sacking and Arbeloa’s appointment

When requested straight about Alonso’s dismissal, Deco admitted that the timing caught him off guard. Reflecting on the state of affairs, he mentioned,

“The reality is that it stunned me. He has not been there lengthy. He’s mainly simply began. They’re within the Champions League and solely 4 factors behind Barça in La Liga.

“We all know the impression that Barça-Madrid video games have. They’re at all times sophisticated conditions and the coaches are the primary to endure.”

Deco was additionally questioned about Alvaro Arbeloa stepping in as an interim resolution.

“I don’t know his work and whether or not or not he’s an excellent coach. In these instances, I want to give attention to our work and wait to see how all the things goes.”

Actual Madrid vs Barcelona

Turning to the on-pitch distinction between the 2 giants, Deco highlighted stylistic variations with out sounding dismissive.

He famous, “I’ve seen Madrid with a extra counter-attacking strategy. They did it towards Atletico, exploiting the velocity of Vini and Rodrygo in assault.

“We don’t prefer to give attention to our opponents. Our concept of soccer is evident, and we at all times wish to management the ball.

“I feel that since Hansi’s arrival, we’ve made a leap in high quality each when it comes to controlling the sport and bodily,” he concluded.