Sanjay Sathya

Two Moments of Disrespect That Made Xabi Alonso Walk Away

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior, Xabi Alonso

After the defeat on Sunday in the Supercopa finals, Xabi Alonso, shockingly left from his job as the Real Madrid manager. He was surrounded by tension all around during his time, but a short lived coaching tenure, with a resignation within six months of appointment, came at every one’s surprise.

The main reason behind his exit is being attributed to the apparent lack of authority given by the Madrid players to Xabi Alonso.

In such a scenario, Kylian Mbappe, who was the first to thank Xabi and wish him for his future prospects, had caught the eyes of fans, as he is considered one of the reasons for the manager’s sudden departure. He had shared a picture in his Instagram story and had mentioned –

“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1. I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

There were enough evidences to show that Xabi lost the control of his players. Mbappe deliberately or unintentionally, dictated a situation supporting the claim.

After the loss against arch rivals Barcelona on Sunday, Real Madrid players received their guard of honor from Barcelona players when they received their runners up medal.

Vice versa, When Barcelona were about to receive the winners medal, Xabi instructed his players to form the guard of honor line.

But Mbappe, who did not take part in the game, visibly frustrated with the loss, made signs and wordings to his teammates as to not do the guard of honor.

Real Madrid did not repay the respect they received and Mbappe out-commanding Xabi was the last moment, that made Xabi lose it all.

Another important player in the mix for the dressing room fallout, is reported to be Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian once had a public frustration with the coach, when he displayed an enraged reaction and refused to shake hands with Xabi, after he was subbed out and did not mention the coach’s name in his apology on his social media account.

Sources from the club’s close circles have reported that he was exhausted by repeated lack of respect in dressing room. The primary reason being Vini, who led around 7 players, focal in criticizing Alonso’s tactics. According to reports, Xabi’s technical staff knew this since November.

Even though star players like Mbappe and Jude Bellingham themselves have bid farewell to Xabi, Vinicius is yet to make any statement regarding the departure neither in his social media nor through any formal means.

When a proven coach with widely regarded tactical acumen, could not sustain 6 months and personally relieves from his job at Real Madrid, there are greater problems to be addressed off the pitch, than on the pitch. Xabi Alonso’s case is a perfect example of “too many cooks spoils the broth”. No matter a star studded squad, the responsibility has to be at the Manager’s hand.

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