Lucas Vázquez: “Xabi Alonso is a true legend at Leverkusen”

In a recent interview with AS, former Real Madrid full-back Lucas Vázquez expressed his admiration for Xabi Alonso, labeling him a “legend” at Bayer Leverkusen due to his remarkable achievements with the club. Vázquez, who is currently plying his trade at Leverkusen, discussed the challenges the club faces under Alonso’s management, especially during this transitional phase. “What he has done with them is incredible, part of their history,” Vázquez stated, emphasizing the respect Alonso commands within the football community.

Reflecting on his time at Real Madrid, Vázquez noted that players at Leverkusen often inquire about his former club. “From the outside, everyone sees Real Madrid as the biggest club in the world,” he said. This recognition highlights the stature of Madrid in global football, even amidst its current struggles. With significant changes occurring at the Santiago Bernabéu, Vázquez urged fans to remain patient and confident in both the talented squad and head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Admiration for Zidane

Vázquez also paid tribute to Zinedine Zidane, acknowledging him as an idol for many players in the dressing room during his tenure. “We all had huge admiration for him,” he remarked. He recalled how Zidane’s straightforward communication style fostered trust among players. “He spoke to us in a way that always told you what he thought,” Vázquez explained, highlighting Zidane’s ability to instill confidence and maintain a close connection with the squad.

The Pressure of Penalty Shootouts

Discussing a pivotal moment in his career, Vázquez recounted his experience taking a penalty during a crucial match in Milan. “I told Bettoni and Zidane that I wanted to take a penalty,” he shared. His confidence led to him being placed first on the list, a decision that ultimately contributed to the team’s success in winning the Champions League. “The most important thing in penalty shootouts is that those who take them are confident they’re going to score,” he added, reflecting on the importance of mental strength in high-pressure situations.

A Historic Three-Peat

Vázquez reminisced about Real Madrid’s extraordinary achievement of winning three consecutive Champions League titles. “We knew it wasn’t normal,” he admitted. The significance of such an accomplishment has only become clearer with time. “Winning three Champions in a row was an immense joy, something difficult to repeat,” he stated, recognizing the unique circumstances that allowed for such success.

Finally, he acknowledged the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s departure from Madrid, stating, “His loss would be noticeable in any team.” Vázquez expressed gratitude for Ronaldo’s contributions, noting that losing 60 goals per season was a significant challenge for Madrid. However, he emphasized that Real Madrid has always found ways to adapt and thrive despite setbacks.

The insights from Vázquez serve as a reminder of both his time at Real Madrid and the evolving landscape of football under new leaderships and challenges.