Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has candidly addressed his relationship with former manager Xabi Alonso, admitting that he struggled to establish a "connection" with the Spaniard during his tenure. Speaking ahead of a massive Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, the Brazilian also defended his partnership with Kylian Mbappe, insisting their bond remains "incredible" despite external criticism.
Liverpool legend John Barnes has jumped to the defence of under-fire manager Arne Slot, urging the club to avoid the temptation of appointing former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. Despite a mounting crisis at Anfield, the former England international believes the Dutchman deserves more time to fix the team's current slump.
The Arne Slot era at Liverpool reached a new low on Saturday as the travelling Reds fans turned their backs on the team during a devastating 4-0 FA Cup exit at Manchester City. With the game well beyond reach, thousands of supporters opted for an early exit while making their preferred replacement for the Dutchman crystal clear.
Alvaro Arbeloa has wasted no time in making his mark at Real Madrid by implementing a stricter training regime during the current international break. The head coach has opted to significantly reduce the squad's time off, signalling a clear departure from the more lenient approach favoured by his predecessor, Xabi Alonso. The decision to "cut the hair" on the team's holidays is a strategic move to ensure those remaining in Madrid do not lose their competitive edge.
Xabi Alonso is reportedly "ready" to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool manager this summer. While Slot remains in his post for now, Liverpool's terrible Premier League title defence has left the Dutchman’s future looking increasingly untenable beyond the end of the current campaign. Alonso is said to be waiting in the wings, eager for a fresh start on Merseyside following his recent departure from Real Madrid.
Thibaut Courtois has strongly denied claims that Real Madrid's senior stars orchestrated the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The former Blancos midfielder left his post in January following a difficult start to the season, leading to speculation that key figures in the dressing room were unhappy with his tactical approach and training methods.
Real Madrid’s decision to make a managerial change has come under heavy fire from club legend Ivan Helguera, who has publicly questioned the hierarchy's wisdom in dismissing Xabi Alonso. Speaking on the Bajo Palos podcast alongside Iker Casillas, the former Los Blancos midfielder suggested that the club moved far too quickly to terminate a promising project whilst gambling on Alvaro Arbeloa.
Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid may have ended prematurely this year, but former team-mate Sami Khedira is adamant that the Spaniard’s story at the Santiago Bernabeu is far from over. The Basque tactician, who achieved legendary status after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic domestic double in 2024, was forced to pack his bags in the Spanish capital after just half a season in charge. However, the legacy he left behind in Germany and his tactical acumen continue to fuel talk of an eventual blockbuster return to the dugout of the 15-time European champions.
