Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo backs Xabi Alonso – “He has not had time”
As we approach the business end of the campaign, Real Madrid are staring at the possibility of finishing the season without any major trophies once again.
While all the noise has been around the players and the attitude in the dressing room, it must be acknowledged that perhaps the biggest moment of the season was the decision to sack Xabi Alonso in January.
The move was not welcomed by the footballing fraternity, with Xabi receiving a lot of support and empathy, especially due to the way he was treated by the players and the club’s hierarchy.
Now, even Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has joined the bandwagon, admitting that Alonso simply did not have enough time to make an impact.
Figo’s verdict on a difficult season
Speaking to MARCA as a member of the Laureus Academy, Figo did not mince his words when assessing Real Madrid’s campaign as a whole.
“The reality is that it is a bad season. For Madrid, if you don’t win, it’s always a negative season. When the titles are missing, it’s because things didn’t work,” he said.
But it was his defence of Xabi Alonso that stood out most. The Portuguese legend was firm in his belief that the former midfielder was never given a fair opportunity to implement his ideas at the club.
“I don’t think he has had time. We have not even had time to make an analysis of the months he has been there. It’s very complicated,” Figo reflected.
The sentiment echoes what many in the football world have felt since Alonso’s dismissal. That the decision was premature and that the club’s patience ran out long before any meaningful conclusions could be drawn about his tenure.
For Real Madrid, the summer cannot come soon enough. A full reset, both in the dugout and across the squad, now appears inevitable, with Jose Mourinho being surprisingly linked with a return to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
