Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly criticised Real Madrid’s players following the club’s decision to part ways with head coach Xabi Alonso less than a year into his tenure. For the unversed, the club confirmed Alonso’s departure on Tuesday, just one day after a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
This brought an abrupt end to his eight-month spell at the Santiago Bernabéu amid reports of growing internal tensions. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Alonso clashed with members of the squad during a recent training session, where he was quoted as saying, “I didn’t know I was coming to coach a nursery.”
The report claimed the incident contributed to a loss of support within the dressing room, which includes high-profile stars such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Nurmagomedov, a long-time Real Madrid supporter, reacted strongly on Instagram.
Sharing a photo of Alonso holding the Bundesliga trophy he won with Bayer Leverkusen last season, the former UFC lightweight champion voiced his frustration with the situation. “There is nothing like loyalty. One year ago they begged him. Now they have fired him. Because of spoilt kids. Xabi you are the best,” Nurmagomedov wrote.
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Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts in 2018 with a perfect, undefeated 29-0 record and has remained closely involved in the sport ever since. The former champion now plays a prominent role as a coach and mentor, most notably guiding former 155lbs and current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev as he continues to dominate the division.
Xabi Alonso Responds As Real Madrid Plan Next Steps
Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed interim head coach following Xabi Alonso’s exit. According to talkSPORT, Real Madrid officials hold former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in high regard, and he has been linked with the role ahead of the summer.
During Alonso’s brief tenure, reports surfaced of tensions with players, including Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior. Jude Bellingham was also mentioned amid speculation of internal disagreements, though he publicly dismissed the claims, calling critics “clowns.”
Bellingham later expressed gratitude to Alonso in a social media post, thanking him for his guidance. Alonso’s next move remains the subject of speculation, with several managerial vacancies across Europe, including a potential Premier League switch.
Manchester United has been mentioned as a possible destination, a move that would be controversial given Alonso’s history with Liverpool. Reflecting on his departure, Alonso issued a concise statement.
He said, “This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
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Alonso is now a free agent and is widely expected to draw interest from several top European clubs in the coming months. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will remain under interim management as the club evaluates its long-term options for the head coaching position.
