Former player backs Xabi Alonso amid Real Madrid uncertainty

Xabi Alonso is beneath vital strain at Actual Madrid, having solely arrived in the summertime from Bayer Leverkusen. The 44-year-old is revered on the Bundesliga membership, whom he led to their first ever league title in the course of the 2023-24 season.

Alonso will at all times be remembered fondly at Leverkusen, and one participant that remembers him very nicely in Granit Xhaka. The midfielder, who additionally left in the summertime to affix Premier League aspect Sunderland, spoke (by way of Marca) as a part of a recently-released documentary on the Actual Madrid head coach, titled “The Architect: From Fable to Problem”.

“He didn’t have any expertise on the large phases, that’s for positive. What he did have was persona. When he walked into the dressing room and began speaking, everybody was utterly centered. As a result of they listened to him. As a result of each phrase he stated was true.

“He didn’t restrict himself to repeating the phrases of others. It was not false. It was genuine. And I feel when a participant feels such as you’re genuine, it doesn’t matter should you win or lose. You proceed to earn their respect. All groups have egos, to make certain, however he didn’t care about huge names. And he doesn’t care how a lot the signing has value. He solely cares about what he sees on the pitch. He desires to see you struggle. And should you prepare nicely, it provides you with an opportunity. That’s what I like most about Xabi.”

Xhaka feedback give an perception into Alonso struggles

It’s fascinating that Xhaka commented about Alonso not caring about huge names, as this is without doubt one of the points he has reportedly had on the Bernabeu. Numerous big-hitters within the dressing room haven’t been received over by their head coach, with egos being one thing that at all times must be taken under consideration at Actual Madrid.