Michel Slams Real Madrid’s ‘Scapegoat’ Treatment Of Alonso

Real Madrid icon Michel has hit out at the club over what he describes as the unfair dismissal of Xabi Alonso, suggesting the Spanish coach was made a scapegoat following the team’s Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.

Alonso was relieved of his duties and replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa after the 3–2 defeat, a decision Michel believes was rash and emblematic of a deeper issue at the club.

In an interview with Radio Marca, Michel questioned whether there was any real distinction between Alonso’s work and that of his successor. “Do you really think there’s much difference between what Xabi does and what Arbeloa does?” he said.

Michel also pointed to the pattern of coaches bearing the brunt of institutional frustration. “It’s easiest to make decisions against the coaches; it’s almost always the coach who leaves. Xabi Alonso hadn’t lost that many games either.”

Drawing on his own experience as a player, Michel recalled the sacking of Radomir Antić while Real Madrid sat top of the league—a decision that preceded a lost title. “Was that the coaches’ fault? The players and the squad you have are always the main focus.”