Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has described Xabi Alonso’s dismissal as unfair, arguing that football managers are often the first to suffer when a team struggles to deliver results.

The Belgian made the comments during an interview with Sky Sports, where he reflected on Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid after just 34 official matches in charge.

Alonso left the Spanish giants in January 2026 following their Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona and has since taken charge of Chelsea.

Courtois admitted that the former manager did not always have a good understanding with every player in the Real Madrid dressing room. However, he stressed that Alonso also enjoyed positive relationships with several members of the squad.

“It's not fair. I think that's always how it works in football: when results aren't good, the manager is the first to pay the price,” Courtois said.

Despite acknowledging the difficulties, the goalkeeper praised Alonso's coaching ability and work ethic.

He also highlighted the Spaniard's impressive achievements at Bayer Leverkusen, expressing confidence that he would eventually achieve success at Chelsea.

Courtois' comments offer an insight into how some Real Madrid players viewed Alonso's departure, particularly after the coach's relatively short spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.

His remarks have also brought renewed attention to the relationship between the former manager and members of the Real Madrid squad during his time at the club.

Source: https://x.com/DailyPostNGR/status/2120776514715144448?a=cA269yHapOqgfHZ-ksw&s=19