Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has voiced his support for bringing Xabi Alonso back as the club's next manager, only eight months after he was dismissed from the role. Alonso was appointed in the summer following his highly successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen but lasted just half a season at the Bernabeu before the hierarchy decided to make a change. Los Blancos have endured another difficult campaign and are likely to finish without a trophy.
Casillas Advocates for Alonso's Return
The former Spain midfielder, who spent five years playing for Real Madrid, had long been tipped to return as a coach but his stint was brief. His departure was accompanied by rumors of a dressing room divide. The club has continued to face internal issues, with the latest incident involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni being fined over £800,000 after an alleged physical altercation.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been in charge since Alonso left, but he is also set to be moved on, leaving the club searching for another new manager. Casillas has made his preference clear, stating: “I would bring Xabi Alonso back. He was the ideal coach for Real Madrid.”
The legendary goalkeeper added: “When decisions are made, things don’t always work out. You also have to analyse situations - for example, when the decision was taken to sack Rafa Benítez and how everything unfolded afterward. In football, it’s the day-to-day results that ultimately define things.”
Alonso's Record and Challenges
Alonso won 24 of his 34 games in charge of Real Madrid, but his side was booed off in the latter part of his reign. A loss to Celta Vigo prompted an emergency meeting among the club's hierarchy to discuss his future. It was widely reported that the tactics Alonso wanted to employ clashed with some of the players.
According to the BBC, Alonso argued with star striker Kylian Mbappe about tactics before the Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona. He also had a disagreement with president Florentino Perez shortly before the decision to part ways was made later that day.
Potential Successors
Among the frontrunners to become Real Madrid manager next season is Jose Mourinho, who had a three-year spell at the club between 2010 and 2013. He clashed with Casillas during his tenure, and the World Cup winner refused to entertain talk of the Special One returning.
Casillas remains adamant that Alonso is the right man for the job, despite the recent turmoil. The club's hierarchy will need to consider their options carefully as they look to restore stability and success at the Bernabeu.
