Casillas: “I would sign Xabi Alonso again”

Yahoo Sports13h ago2 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Iker Casillas expressed his support for Xabi Alonso as the ideal coach for Real Madrid, emphasizing that disagreements among players are normal during tough seasons. He reflected on the club's current struggles and the nature of managerial decisions in football.

Key points

Iker Casillas supports Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid's coach
Disagreements among players are normal during tough seasons
Real Madrid is facing a turbulent campaign compared to past successes

Mentioned in this story

Iker CasillasXabi AlonsoFederico ValverdeAurélien Tchouaméni

Real Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 01: Iker Casillas is seen at the match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Alexander Blockx of Belgium during the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 at La Caja Magica on May 01, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Iker Casillas addressed several major talking points surrounding Real Madrid during a La Liga pre-Clásico event, including the confrontation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni at Valdebebas. The former Madrid captain attempted to minimize the significance of the incident, insisting that disagreements inside a dressing room are normal during difficult moments in a season. “These things happen in football,” Casillas explained. “Everything has a solution. Situations like this happened even during our time as players.” According to Casillas, emotional reactions are inevitable when expectations are high and results are not matching standards. Real Madrid have endured a turbulent campaign compared to the success they enjoyed in recent years, and the legendary goalkeeper believes frustration naturally builds in those circumstances. “It happens when players are angry,” he said. “Football goes through cycles. There are periods where everything works and you win consistently, like Real Madrid experienced in previous seasons. Then there are moments where things become more difficult.” The Madrid icon also weighed in on the club’s coaching situation and expressed strong support for the return of Xabi Alonso. “I would absolutely choose Xabi Alonso,” Casillas said. “He is the ideal coach for Real Madrid.” Casillas acknowledged that managerial decisions do not always produce immediate success, pointing to the club’s decision to dismiss Rafa Benítez in 2016 before ultimately going on to dominate European football under Zinedine Zidane. “When decisions are made, they do not always work out perfectly at first,” Casillas explained. “You have to analyze everything in context. The example with Rafa Benítez shows how quickly football can change afterward. In the end, results day by day are what determine everything.”

Q&A

Why does Iker Casillas support Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid's coach?

Iker Casillas believes Xabi Alonso is the ideal coach for Real Madrid, citing his understanding of the club and the current challenges they face.

What incident did Iker Casillas address regarding Real Madrid players?

Casillas addressed a confrontation between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, stating that such disagreements are normal in football during difficult times.

How has Real Madrid's performance changed according to Iker Casillas?

Casillas noted that Real Madrid has experienced a turbulent season, contrasting it with their previous success, and highlighted that frustration can build when expectations are not met.