While waiting for the game at Real Madrid, which is still very far from convincing, Xabi Alonso has some more reasons for optimism … after the victory in the derby against Atlético in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup. The victory, which left much better results than sensations, is joined by the incorporation of Kylian Mbappé to the Madrid expedition in Saudi Arabia.
It remains to be seen if the Frenchman is in a position to play as a starter in the final against Barça, a true classic with the title at stake, but his presence already provides an offensive weapon of incalculable value to a coach who faces the cotton test in this tournament, an exam that could establish a turning point in a career that began promisingly and went awry until seriously questioning his continuity in office.
With Mbappé back in the group,
Beyond the headaches due to the absences at the back, Xabi Alonso took advantage of Simeone’s words to Vinicius from the sideline to take out his fang and go on the attack as he had not been seen publicly during his time at Real Madrid. “Florentino is going to throw you out, remember what I’m telling you…” Cholo told the Brazilian, who entered the fray as usual.
The scuffle between the white player and the mattress coach reached its climax when Vinicius was substituted. Simeone told the Brazilian “listen, listen…”, in reference to the whistles from the stands. Given the situation, and from the technical area of the other bench, Xabi Alonso took the floor to defend his player and reproach the Argentine for his attitude: “Cholo, Cholo. You to yours, damn it.
The fans’ letter
The Real Madrid coach, far from putting the matter aside definitively once the match was over, as Simeone tried to do under the philosophy of reserving what happens on the field to the field, was still very much aware of what had happened at the press conference. Aware that his situation at the head of the Merengue bench is still somewhat precarious, he staged an all-out defense of his team that shores up his position, both in the locker room and mainly in front of fans who until now have considered his diplomacy in front of the media somewhat lukewarm.
«I try to be respectful with the players of the opposing team and I don’t usually address them. When I saw what he said to him I liked it less. That is not an example of a good athlete. Not everything goes, you have to have respect for your rival. “Everything that happens in the field has a limit,” said the man from Tolosa, still visibly outraged by what had happened to Cholo.
That posture of strength against a staunch opponent earns her points with an important part of Real Madrid fans who, for now, have also directed their anger in the form of whistles at the players. The whistles have been directed especially at Vinicius in recent weeks, leaving unscathed a figure of coach on whom the offices have the last word, but who is always stronger with the fans’ letter in his hands.
