Why Xabi Alonso took an L the boards trust after R...

What’s Happening

Listen up: At first glance, it appears that Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup was the final nail in the coffin for Xabi Alonso.

He was sacked almost ASAP after the g… Why Xabi Alonso took an L the board’s trust after Real Madrid’s derby win Story by Why Xabi Alonso took an L the board’s trust after Real Madrid’s derby win Madrid Universal Sun, at 12:13 PM UTC · 2 min read At first glance, it appears that Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup was the final nail in the coffin for Xabi Alonso. (and honestly, same)

He was sacked almost ASAP after the game, leaving many shocked with the abrupt decision.

The Details

After all, his team had just clutched a massive der Atletico Madrid in the semifinal and all signs pointed to that result winning him back the board’s favour. Now, but, MARCA bring to light that it was, in fact, the Atletico Madrid game that saw Florentino Perez and Co.

A weak gameplan The der not celebrated within the club. (Photo /) Indeed, the Real Madrid president and board were dissatisfied with the way in which Alonso set up his team to take on Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup.

Why This Matters

On the night, Real Madrid defended deep and rode on the momentum generated ’s early free-kick stunner. They had less than 50% possession, had less than half the number of shots as the opponent, and clutched just one corner all night. The club’s higher-ups interpreted the situation to be Alonso’s lack of capabilities that led him to organise such a game plan.

This is the kind of move that can define a season.

Key Takeaways

• His decision to abandon the idea of building organised attacks disappointed them.
• Further, Alonso set up the team to rely on Thibaut Courtois’ long-balls to Jude Bellingham and Gonzalo Garcia.
• That, in turn, gave Atletico Madrid the chance to control the match.

The Bottom Line

That, in turn, gave Atletico Madrid the chance to control the match. That, coupled with the repeated strategy of defending deep against Barcelona, may well have cost the club legend his job as the first-team manager.

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