UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov has delivered a stinging rebuke to Real Madrid's star players, blaming them for the sudden departure of manager Xabi Alonso.
Alonso's Short-Lived Reign Ends
The Spanish giants confirmed the mutual termination of Alonso's contract on Tuesday, just eight months into his three-year deal. The decision came swiftly after a Spanish Super Cup defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona. Alonso, a former Real Madrid legend as a player, had been hired after a successful spell in charge of German club Bayer Leverkusen.
A club statement expressed gratitude, calling Alonso "a Real Madrid legend" and stating the club "will always be his home." Despite the disappointing start, Real Madrid sit second in La Liga, only four points behind leaders Barcelona.
Khabib's Scathing Social Media Critique
The news prompted a furious reaction from retired MMA champion and self-confessed Real Madrid fan Khabib Nurmagomedov. Taking to Instagram, 'The Eagle' did not hold back in his assessment of where the blame lies.
"If you come into a gym or onto the pitch, it doesn't matter whether you're a fighter or a footballer - the head coach is in charge," Khabib wrote. He argued that if a team's atmosphere prevents a coach's instructions from being followed, then the players are the problem.
"I believe Alonso is among the top 3 coaches in the modern game," he stated emphatically. "If a team doesn't work with him, you need to change the players, not the coach." He concluded that no coach could succeed with the current squad and that the "irregular players" need to be removed.
In a follow-up post, he added: "A year ago, they were begging him. Now they've fired him. Because of these spoiled brats. Xabi, you're the best."
Strained Relationships and a New Era
Alonso's brief tenure at the Bernabeu was reportedly marred by a difficult relationship with Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. The player reacted angrily to being substituted during a 2-1 win over Barcelona in October, later apologising publicly but notably not mentioning Alonso in his statement. The manager later said the matter was settled after a team meeting.
Real Madrid have moved quickly to appoint a successor, promoting former player Alvaro Arbeloa from the reserve team to take the first-team reins. The club's immediate focus turns to the Copa del Rey, where they face Albacete in the round of 16.
Khabib's intervention adds a dramatic, cross-sports perspective to a major football story, highlighting the intense scrutiny and pressure at the very top of the game.
