Real Madrid are currently going through a rough period. The exit of Xabi Alonso has drawn unexpected backlash from the footballing community, with even Thierry Henry lambasting the board.
Real Madrid’s woes were compounded after interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa failed to guide his team to a win in the Copa Del Rey Round of 16 clash against Albacete, as Los Blancos crashed out of the cup.
In the midst of such poor events, Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has offered some advice to his former club.
Luis Figo on Real Madrid crisis
In a recent interaction with BetFair (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Figo pointed out that it is important to back new manager Arbeloa, if Real Madrid are to stabilise going forward.
“It’s a gamble by the board, and we have to support him for the rest of the season. It’s a club decision. The decisions are made by those in charge, and I don’t give my opinion on what Real Madrid should do next season,” he said.
Real Madrid’s defeat to Albacete has led to fears that Real Madrid have hit rock bottom, with reports claiming that there could be major changes in the summer.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid
The pressure on Arbeloa is mounting. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Figo, to that end, has lent his support to the former right-back. However, the Portuguese legend also admitted that Xabi Alonso’s dismissal came as a shock to him.
“Xabi’s dismissal is a surprise because, after all, we’re only halfway through the season. In those circumstances, you don’t expect a change of manager. Even after losing a competition. I think that’s why it is surprising,” he said.
Figo further pointed out that the key right now for Real Madrid will be to return to normalcy, more than anything else.
“The priority is to return to normal. In everything. After a coach leaves, stability, in every sense, is important. Because there’s still quite a bit of the season left.
“Real Madrid has two very important competitions they can win. But we have to improve in every aspect,” he said.
Finally, Figo recalled his time at Real Madrid when managerial changes were even more frequent, though he admitted it was a different time.
“What I experienced (four coaches in two years) is certainly different. I had more coaching changes in a single season. But it was a different world,” he concluded.