For Real Madrid players, Xabi Alonso’s resignation came as a surprise. The news that the Spanish coach had left the team was a real shock even for the “Los Blancos” themselves. Earlier, it had been officially announced that the club’s management and the head coach had mutually agreed to end their cooperation.
The decision was made after a dramatic 2–3 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. However, the atmosphere inside the squad did not suggest such a sharp change. According to Marca, some players learned about Alonso’s departure only through the club’s official statement.
The mood was calm both in the dressing room and on the plane home after the final. The players never imagined such a decision could be taken mid-season. Especially since the narrow loss to Barcelona had not caused serious concern within the team.
After the Super Cup, the players believed the project would continue. Moreover, seeing club president Florentino Pérez hug Xabi Alonso during the awards ceremony further reinforced the sense that the coach still had full backing.
That is why Alonso’s exit was a real shock for the squad. Some players admitted in private conversations that they found out suddenly, without any prior warning. Interestingly, they said that in recent weeks the relationship between the coach and the team had actually been improving.
In short, this decision is sure to be discussed for a long time in Real Madrid’s dressing room. In football, unfortunately, news can sometimes hit the hardest and the fastest.
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