Igor Kolivanov: "I loved Xabi Alonso as a player"

Former Dynamo Moscow striker Igor Kolivanov has commented on the situation surrounding Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso. The media had previously reported that the Spanish coach could be fired if Real Blancos failed to beat Alaves, but the Royal Club defeated the Basque team 2-1.

"I loved Xabi Alonso as a player, and I still love him as a person. He is still relatively young, but wise. The problem is that it is very difficult to work at Real Madrid. You have to constantly show results. Otherwise, you will be fired, no matter who you are. Xabi is walking a tightrope. He wants to establish his own style of football, which should also appeal to the fans. However, the team lacks a clear leader, despite the many stars. Real Madrid wins thanks to individual plays, while Xabi Alonso tries to establish a team spirit," Kolivanov said on Match TV.

Real Madrid are second in the Spanish league table with 39 points, four points behind leaders Barcelona. They will face Sevilla in the next round.