Casillas Defends Xabi Alonso Amidst Unfair Criticism

Iker Casillas has spoken out about the criticism directed at Xabi Alonso during his tenure as Real Madrid‘s head coach. In a recent episode of his podcast “Under the Goalposts,” the legendary goalkeeper expressed his bewilderment over the backlash Alonso has faced this season. Casillas believes that the scrutiny is unwarranted and excessive, particularly given the current stage of the campaign. “What he is enduring is completely unjust,” he stated, emphasizing Alonso’s deep understanding of football.

As December unfolds, Casillas feels that fans and pundits alike are losing perspective. “It’s important to remember that we are only in December,” he remarked. “The atmosphere surrounding Real Madrid can be overwhelming, and discussions often spiral out of control.” He drew a parallel to education, suggesting that just as a child’s true academic performance is evaluated at the end of the year, so too should Alonso’s coaching be assessed after a full season. “It would be a different story if we were trailing Barcelona by 12 points or had been knocked out of the Cup,” he added, clearly frustrated by the premature judgment.

Reflections on Mourinho

Casillas also reflected on his past relationship with José Mourinho during his time at Real Madrid. He likened it to a romantic relationship that soured over time. “At first, it felt like being in love,” he recounted. “But as time went on, you start noticing things that make you think, ‘Oh no…'” The former goalkeeper admitted that by the third year, their relationship had deteriorated significantly. Looking back, he wishes they had addressed their issues sooner instead of allowing misunderstandings to fester.

The Captain’s Role

During those turbulent times under Mourinho, Casillas held the captaincy and felt the weight of balancing team dynamics with a strong-willed coach. “I had to navigate being captain while managing an exceptional coach who was also a skilled psychologist,” he explained. “He had his methods and personality, just like all of us.” This insight into his leadership role highlights the complexities faced by captains in high-pressure environments like Real Madrid.

As Xabi Alonso continues his journey with the club, supporters and analysts alike would do well to heed Casillas’ words. With patience and understanding, perhaps they will witness the fruits of Alonso’s labor in due time. After all, football is often about timing and development — both for players and coaches alike.