TThe Real Madrid team was truly surprised by the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, having learned about it through an official statement released by the club. No one in the dressing room expected such a decision at this stage of the season. Especially after the emotions that lingered after the final and the calm atmosphere that prevailed despite the loss on the flight home. The players had no doubts about the result at this point.
After the Super Cup final, the players thought it was natural for the manager to stay on. After the minimal defeat against Barcelona, there was no warning or indication that the board was considering changes to the bench. On the contrary, the group understood that the project was progressing well and that Xabi Alonso had the support of the club after this competition, as the hug between the president and the coach at the medal ceremony showed.
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That’s why the announcement of his departure came as a huge shock to the team. Several players privately admitted that seeing the official statement without prior notice added to their embarrassment. In fact, some players claim that the relationship between coaches and locker rooms has become more fluid in recent weeks.
Now, the team has to quickly regroup for the task ahead, absorbing unexpected bench changes and the arrival of a coach from a school similar to Xabi Alonso, such as Arbeloa.
