Former Real Madrid captain gives his verdict on Xabi Alonso dismissal – ‘Just one of those things’ | OneFootball

After facing immense flak from the footballing fraternity for sacking Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid are breathing a little bit easier right now.

Following their shock Copa Del Rey exit, the team has done exceptionally well under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, with even Florentino Perez reportedly playing a key role in the improvement.

However, Xabi Alonso still remains the topic of conversation for many, including former Real Madrid captain Lucas Vazquez.

What Vazquez said about Xabi Alonso’s exit

Speaking to the media ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League game against Villarreal, Vazquez was notably asked about Alonso’s exit.

In response, the right-back reminded everyone that living up to the expectations at Real Madrid is indeed quite difficult, and Alonso’s dismissal was merely a byproduct of the failed expectations.

Lucas Vazquez not surprised by Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“Just one of those things in football,” said Vazquez (h/t Mundo Deportivo), who left Real Madrid last summer to join Bayer Leverkusen, the former club of Xabi Alonso.

“It’s not the first time this has happened. Real Madrid is the most demanding club in the world. When something isn’t working, there are changes,” the versatile right-back added.

With over 400 competitive appearances for Los Blancos, Vazquez had been at Real Madrid for nearly all his career. He was, in fact, a reserve player for Real Madrid when Alonso used to play for the first team.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the Spaniard has a massive amount of respect for Alonso, especially given that he was also a coach for his current club, Leverkusen.

But Vazquez is also aware of the fact that things didn’t work out between Alonso and Real Madrid, and having been at the Spanish capital club almost all his life, he is not surprised at all by their decision to sack the Basque manager earlier this month.