Real Madrid Star Unleashes Brutal Attack on Xabi Alonso's Departure: 'You Think This Is Kindergarten?'
Real Madrid's shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois dismissed allegations that squad members orchestrated Xabi Alonso's departure during a fiery post-match interview.
Courtois has always been vocal about his opinions and felt confident enough to challenge the Spanish media following an outstanding 3–0 Champions League victory over Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
"You believe this is some playground where we act however we please," he declared angrily, standing tall above the collection of recording devices thrust toward him in the Bernabéu mixed zone. "That's simply not true."
The towering Belgian delivered a direct statement: "No one conspired against Xabi."
What Led to Alonso's Struggles at Real Madrid?
What Led to Alonso's Struggles at Real Madrid?
Madrid started this season with Alonso as their manager. Despite achieving a strong series of results, pressure paradoxically increased on the former player after the team established a five-point lead over Barcelona in October following a Clásico victory. Vinicius Junior's obvious display of defiance toward his manager after being substituted seemed to offer a public window into broader unrest directed at Carlo Ancelotti's replacement.
Alonso managed only two victories during an eight-match stretch as November transitioned into December, with the Champions League loss to Manchester City originally viewed as the final straw. Throughout this difficult period, reports emerged that Vinicius Jr was declining to discuss a contract extension while Alonso remained in charge. Madrid's leadership ultimately maintained their support and were rewarded with five consecutive victories leading to the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.
If a win over Madrid's greatest rivals generated such unrest, a 3–2 loss certainly didn't help matters. Contrary to multiple reports the next day, Alonso was dismissed.
Álvaro Arbeloa assumed control on a temporary basis and has found it challenging to consistently extract the best from this clearly gifted—yet unbalanced—roster. Losses to Albacete, Benfica, Osasuna and Getafe have been mixed with unconvincing victories. Until Wednesday evening.
Madrid delivered their most comprehensive display in years to methodically destroy Pep Guardiola's City team. "I'm delighted with how the Bernabéu and the squad have celebrated," Arbeloa smiled after the final whistle. "They earned a night like this, considering all they've endured, and how they performed today."
Riding high on confidence, Courtois felt empowered to clarify the truth about the former management.
Courtois: We're Professionals
Courtois: We're Professionals
Courtois specifically objected to the numerous reports suggesting the locker room wielded more influence than the coach and that Alonso's removal resulted from a successful player rebellion.
"No one plotted against Xabi," the keeper stated dismissively. "Claiming we disliked the tactics, that we rejected the video sessions ... I worked under Antonio Conte [at Chelsea], and you'd spend an hour there [analyzing footage]. And I didn't mind, because we're professionals. It's my responsibility.
"It's different when playing with your mates. In that situation, it's understandable not wanting to sit through a thirty-minute video. But if I need to watch footage, I watch it. We prepare for matches. I discussed this with NFL representatives over the summer, and they're constantly studying video. Our professionalism has been questioned. The initial months with Xabi went extremely well. And we experienced a difficult period, which we didn't create ourselves, but we're not in control, the coach is and we must respect him."
The recurring theme behind Alonso's downfall was the notion that he was overly involved. Gareth Bale, the five-time Champions League champion with Real, captured it perfectly: "At Madrid, you don't need to be a coach, you need to be a manager."
Arbeloa has certainly emphasized the importance of mindset during his short tenure. "We understood there wasn't much belief in this team and these players," he noted after the triumph over City. "We've demonstrated that we are Real Madrid, and you should never write us off."
Nevertheless, it would be incorrect to dismiss his impact as merely psychological. Federico Valverde's opening goal resulted from a long ball over City's high defensive line which Madrid had specifically practiced, recognizing that the Premier League team left themselves vulnerable while pressing during goal kicks.
"We show respect to the coaches, the technical team, everyone," Courtois emphasized. "Many criticisms are unjust. Others are valid, and that's acceptable. Sometimes we don't perform well: against Celta, Getafe ... We share responsibility, and I acknowledge that.
"But tonight represented progress as a unit, and we must remember that. If we support each other, positive results will follow."