Khabib slams Real Madrid star players after Alonso's departure

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has slammed Real Madrid star players after Xabi Alonso left the club.

Alonso departed Real by mutual agreement a day after their 3-2 defeat by bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, the La Liga club said on Monday.

"Xabi Alonso will always have the love and admiration of all Real Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has represented the values of our club at all times. Real Madrid will always be his home," the club said in a statement.

Alonso left Madrid second in La Liga with only four points behind leaders Barcelona. Many argue that the decision was taken by both parties because the Spanish manager’s relationship with the star players at the club was not good.

In the Supercopa final’s medal distribution ceremony, Barcelona gave a guard of honour to their bitter rivals, and Alonso also urged the players of Madrid to reciprocate the gesture.

Despite the coach’s instruction, Kylian Mbappe appeared to instruct his teammates not to do the same, and the players followed the French forward’s lead.

Mbappe was also slammed by the Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, for refusing to show respect to Barca players.

Alonso also had a strained relationship with Vinicius Junior following his angry reaction to being substituted in the Clásico against Barcelona in October.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, former UFC lightweight champion, who retired in 2020 following an impressive career in mixed martial arts, is also a Real Madrid fan.

Khabib expressed his frustration over the harsh decision of Madrid to sack Alonso instead of getting rid of egoistic players on Instagram.

"If you come into a gym or onto the pitch, it doesn't matter whether you're a fighter or a footballer - the head coach is in charge," translated from Khabib's Instagram story.

"But if the atmosphere inside your team doesn't allow everyone to follow your instructions, then you're definitely not on the right path. I believe Alonso is among the top 3 coaches in the modern game.

“If a team doesn't work with him, you need to change the players, not the coach. I'm convinced no coach can cope with such a squad at Real. You need to get rid of the irregular players."