Ex-Barcelona star points fingers at Real Madrid players over Xabi Alonso dismissal: “Have more influence…” | OneFootball

The abrupt dismissal of Xabi Alonso has sort of made the former Real Madrid manager a cult figure in the world of football.

As soon as Real Madrid confirmed his sacking, the Spanish tactician started receiving public support from a host of footballing personalities, including even Thierry Henry.

These personalities have criticised the Real Madrid players for having too much influence in the team, ultimately forcing Alonso to feel disrespected.

Now, Samuel Umtiti has joined the list of footballing personalities criticising the Real Madrid players following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.

What Umtiti said about Real Madrid

Speaking to DAZN (h/t SPORT), the former Barcelona defender took a veiled dig at Real Madrid’s current situation after Xabi’s exit, pointing out that the players were the problem.

Xabi Alonso’s exit at Madrid has shocked the footballing world. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Although Umtiti never actually referred to Real Madrid or their players by name, it was evident that the Frenchman was talking about Los Blancos.

“The coach should always be the boss. When he arrives at a club, he’s the one who has to make the decisions, and the players have to listen,” he began.

“But nowadays, in some teams, that’s not the case, and some players have more influence than the coach,” he added.

Umtiti’s statement comes on the back of his recent retirement. After a spell in Lille, he announced his retirement at the end of last year, putting an end to a career marred by injuries.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, haven’t done themselves any favour by starting the post-Xabi Alonso era with a Copa Del Rey exit, as Los Blancos lost 3-2 to Albacete in the Round of 16 of the cup fixture.