Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov did not stay indifferent to a major event in the football world. He delivered a firm, harsh take on Xabi Alonso leaving the head-coach job at Real Madrid. According to Khabib, the problem isn’t the coach — it’s the environment and the “spoiled” players.
In his social media message, Nurmagomedov put loyalty and respect first. He stressed that a year ago Alonso was “begged” to come, but now they let him go with ease.
— Nothing compares to loyalty. A year ago they begged him to come, and now they kicked him out. All because of spoiled kids. Xabi, you’re the best, Khabib wrote in support of Alonso.
“Whether it’s the gym or the pitch — the principle is the same”
Khabib also explained the situation using another sport — combat sports. In his view, if a coach can’t command respect from the performers in his team, you won’t get far.
— Gym or football pitch — it doesn’t matter. If, as a coach, you can’t get your fighters in your gym to listen to you, you definitely can’t keep going together, he said.
At the same time, Nurmagomedov rated Alonso very highly: he believes Xabi Alonso is among the three strongest coaches in the world. And if things aren’t working, the first changes should be the players, not the coach.
— If the team isn’t performing, you should change the players, not the coach… You need to get rid of capricious footballers, he concluded bluntly.
Official background: contract terminated
Recall that on Monday it was announced that the contract between Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid had been terminated by mutual agreement.
One conclusion: Khabib’s comments reignited debate among football fans — who is really to blame: the coach or the stars who “agree in summer and get picky in winter”? One thing is clear: there will be plenty more talk about this.
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