UFC Hall of Famer Khaib Nurmagomedov is not happy with the latest surrounding Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid.
Nurmagomedov, a former UFC lightweight champion and a noted Madridista, voiced his discontent for Real Madrid’s decision to fire head coach Xabi Alonso, whose three-year contract was abruptly terminated Monday following the team’s 3-2 loss to rival club Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. A lot has been made of the club’s decision as there’s been a lot of criticism surrounding Real Madrid’s form.
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Nurmagomedov fully supports Alonso and believes the problem lies with the players, not the coach.
“If you step into the gym or onto the field, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a fighter or a soccer player, the head coach is the one who leads,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram stories in Russian (translated by Seputar Real Madrid). “But if the atmosphere on your team doesn’t allow everyone to follow your instructions, then you’re clearly not on the right track. I believe Alonso is among the three best coaches in modern soccer. If a team can’t work with him, what needs to change is the players, not the coach. I’m convinced no coach could handle a squad like this in Madrid. You have to get rid of the inconsistent players.”
There have been rumors and reports of disdain between the players and Alonso. Alonso also has been seen arguing with star winger Vinicius Junior on the sidelines, and most recently at the Spanish Super Cup final Alonso was overridden by superstar player Kylian Mbappe. Alonso tried to get the players to form for the customary passage to congratulate the winner of a final, but Mbappe signaled the squad back to the locker rooms. Many took this as a sign of disrespect.
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Nurmagomedov has met Mbappe before and been seen in attendance supporting Real Madrid in both their domestic games in La Liga and their European competition in Champion’s League.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khaib Nurmagomedov backs Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid firing
