Rift in Madrid's old guard as legends clash over Alonso sacking
Former Real Madrid stars divided on Xabi Alonso's dismissal at Legends Derby event, with Quini Álvarez openly criticizing the decision while others back Arbeloa's appointment.
Former Real Madrid players have publicly split over the club’s decision to sack Xabi Alonso, with some questioning if the manager was given enough time to implement his philosophy.
At the GENERALI Hexagon Cup 2026 kickoff event featuring a Legends Derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid veterans, several ex-Blancos players weighed in on the recent managerial shake-up at the Bernabéu.
Divided opinions on Alonso’s exit
Quini Álvarez, former striker for Alcorcón, Leganés and Racing, didn’t hold back when asked about Alonso’s departure:
“You want me to get wet? It surprised many of us,” he admitted candidly. “I’m not in favor of making changes, especially in those circumstances. The decision came too early.”
The former forward believes Alonso deserved more time to implement his ideas and connect with the squad, suggesting the board pulled the trigger prematurely.
Meanwhile, Ezequiel Garay highlighted the unique challenges of managing the Madrid dressing room, noting that “a coach needs strong character” to handle the array of stars and achieve significant results.
Fresh start under Arbeloa?
Jordi Codina seemed irritated by suggestions that Madrid are in crisis, pointing out they’re just a single point behind Barcelona in La Liga and have reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
“What catastrophe are people talking about?” questioned the former goalkeeper, who emphasized that results trump style. “Would you prefer three points or to play like Barça did against Inter in that semi-final? They played brilliantly but watched the final on telly.”
Garay suggested Arbeloa’s arrival has brought “a change of air” with different training methods and tactical approaches that unconsciously affect players’ mindsets, particularly in the opening fixtures.
The eternal Madrid debate
The discussion highlighted football’s eternal question at Madrid: is it about man-management or playing beautiful football?
Quini acknowledged the typical new manager bounce but remained steadfast that Alonso should have been given more time. He predicted Arbeloa would do well but questioned whether the initial enthusiasm would last beyond 5-6 matches.
The legends’ derby itself ended with a victory for the Atlético Madrid veterans, though the result took a back seat to the frank discussion about the current state of Los Blancos.