Xabi Alonso Supports Players’ Protests Against Match in Miami
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has expressed his support for the players’ protests regarding LaLiga’s proposal to play a regular season match in Miami. Alonso described this initiative as “positive”.
The match between Barcelona and Villarreal is scheduled to be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20, with ticket sales expected to begin next week.
On Friday, in the first LaLiga match of the weekend, between Real Oviedo and Espanyol, both teams stopped play for the first 15 seconds as a sign of protest. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) indicated that this action aimed to demonstrate LaLiga’s “lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence” in the organization of the match in Miami.
The global television broadcast of the match did not show the protest, opting for an exterior shot of the stadium.
“We are against the game in Miami because we believe it affects the competition,” Alonso stated in a press conference on Saturday. “There is no unanimity among all participating clubs. We have not been consulted. The protests are positive, as they reflect the feeling of many clubs. The game in Miami has been decided unilaterally, and that is what we oppose. If there were unanimity, it could be carried out, but that is not the case.”
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid coach
In Saturday’s match between Sevilla and Mallorca, the players’ protest was briefly shown on screen after the start, before the cameras focused on Sevilla’s bench.
In a statement issued on Friday, the AFE reported that the captains of the 20 first division teams of LaLiga were in favor of the protest, which would take place at the beginning of all weekend matches. However, the AFE also noted that the participation of the Barcelona and Villarreal players had not been requested.
Alonso avoided commenting on whether he would support future actions by the players, including a possible strike. “My answer is the same, and our position is the same,” he stated. “The decisions that need to be made will probably be made by others.”
Madrid will visit Getafe on Sunday, starting the weekend with a two-point lead over Barcelona, who will host Girona on Saturday.
Alonso downplayed concerns about Kylian Mbappé’s injury, who returned early from his international commitments this week due to an ankle problem.
“His ankle is fine,” Alonso assured. “He’s in the squad and could start.”
Additionally, Alonso commented on the possible departure of Endrick in January, following reports that several clubs, including Marseille, have shown interest in the striker. Alonso stated that this “is not on my mind”, and mentioned that midfielder Jude Bellingham is “better prepared” after his return to physical form.
“Jude has been training and preparing since he recovered from shoulder surgery in July,” Alonso said. “He’s better. We need the best Jude. He’s eager to feel good, play well, and help the team.”
