Luis Figo has given his verdict on Xabi Alonso parting ways with Real Madrid and his comments should concern the club and its fans. The former Portuguese midfielder played under some of the greatest managers in Los Blancos' history and enjoyed huge success.
Most of his Madrid spell came while Vincente del Bosque and Carlos Quieroz were in charge. These were two coaches who were rarely at odds with their players and their squad knew they were the ones calling the shots.
Alonso's short reign at the Estadio Bernabeu will be remembered more for the problems that he encountered behind the scenes rather than what occured on the pitch. This is what Figo has alluded to when responding to his early exit.
Luis Figo no longer surprised by Alonso leaving
Figo initially claimed to have been stunned by the news that Alonso had left Madrid but soon realized that it was coming. The Portuguese said during an interview (via Madrid Universal):
"(Alvaro) Arbeloa (caretaker manager) is a commitment of the board and we must support him. Xabi's sacking is a surprise, although later, because of all the rumours that were coming out lately, it's not such a surprise anymore."
Alonso was reportedly dismissed although the club claim it was a mutual seperation. The decision came a day after Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final.
But there's more to the story as it soon became known that Alonso wasn't on the best of terms with some of his squad. That includes Vinicius Junior who is now reportedly willing to sign a contract extension because of the Spanish tactician's departure.
Figo has pointed out that such issues have obviously played a huge role in Alonso's tenure lasting just seven months. But it also highlights a glaring problem regarding leaks with countless stories emerging soon after he was replaced by Arbeloa.
There have been rumors of Florentino Perez not liking Alonso's training sessions nor his playing style. A divide in the dressing room about who was on the manager's side which Jude Bellingham has slammed when he was put in the oppositional team.
Apparently the players lost their physical form under Alonso according to Spanish journalist Jose Felix Diaz. There are also claims that Madrid were already weighing up parting ways as far back as the summer.
Real Madrid must stop leaks
The constant noise coming out of the Bernabeu has been one of negativity this season and it gives the manager no chance of trying to make sure his players stay in line. It's harmed the mood in the dressing room and ultimately gave Alonso a mountain to climb.
Alonso didn't feel supported in his role that much is clear and he reportedly even voiced the issue of player power to the board. The reported response from the higher-ups was that he failed to control the locker room.
That's an impossible task when his coaching methods are constantly being questioned and the media are getting juicy gossip about apparent bust-ups. This is why the frontrunner to replace him Jurgen Klopp has already made clear he feels issues run deep at the Bernabeu.