Thierry Henry points to the players after Madrid-City: 'I'm sorry for Xabi Alonso'

The match played yesterday at Bernabéu between Real Madrid and Manchester City was, without exaggeration, a desired final for Xabi Alonso. Los Blancos arrived at the match with the obligation to win in order to stop the worrying trend of recent weeks. In the lead-up, it was even suggested that a heavy defeat against City could mean the definitive farewell of the Basque coach.

Real Madrid took to the field with the determination typical of great European nights. The intensity was remarkable from the first minute and the fans replied by encouraging a team in need of confidence. Rodrygo, who is going through one of the most delicate moments of his career, put Los Blancos ahead very early to rekindle hope.

However, the joy was short-lived. Manchester City replied with the forcefulness that characterizes English teams and managed to turn the score around before halftime. Pep Guardiola's team showed a much clearer plan and took advantage of Madrid's defensive lapses to secure a victory that leaves the home team in a very difficult position.

The result, beyond the soccer aspect, has a direct impact on Xabi Alonso's position. His continuity is once again hanging in the air despite the team offering a somewhat more recognizable version. The players and the coach seem to speak different languages, although they publicly insist they're rowing in the same direction, on the field the opposite is evident.

Thierry Henry makes it very clear

In this context of doubts and criticism, the public defense that Thierry Henry has made of Xabi Alonso has been surprising. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, considered one of the best strikers in history, analyzed the match on television and left a reflection that hasn't gone unnoticed. Far from blaming the coach, he pointed directly at the locker room.

"I'm sorry for Xabi Alonso, because you could see what he was able to do with Leverkusen when he coached a team that was willing to listen to his ideas", Henry said. His words have been widely discussed by Madridist fans, most of whom agree with the Frenchman's assessment.

It's true that Xabi Alonso has made mistakes in managing the team and in some key decisions. However, it's also evident that the squad has lost rigor, attitude, and tactical discipline as the months have gone by. The contrast with his first weeks is so great that it's impossible not to remember the Club World Cup, where the team at least tried to execute the new routines that were proposed.

Over time, the players seem to have started acting on their own, completely distorting the game plan. The result is a Real Madrid that survives on flashes and relies too much on the individual brilliance of its superstars. Thierry Henry's reflection, therefore, is not only a show of support for Xabi Alonso, but also a warning to a locker room that needs to react.