Alonso Supports Protests: Madrid Against LaLiga Game in Miami

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 called the initiative “positive”. The match between Barcelona and Villarreal is scheduled for December 20th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with ticket sales expected to begin next week. In the first LaLiga match of the weekend, Real Oviedo vs. Espanyol, both teams stopped the game for the first 15 seconds in protest. The Spanish Footballers’ Union (AFE) indicated that the protest sought to denounce the “lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence” of LaLiga in organizing 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 match in Miami because we believe it influences the competition,” Alonso commented in a press conference on Saturday. “There is no unanimity among all participating clubs. We have not been consulted.”

Xabi Alonso

In the 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 on Friday, the AFE stated that the captains of the 20 LaLiga teams were in favor of the protest, which would take place at the beginning of all weekend matches, although the union noted that the players of Barcelona and Villarreal had not been consulted to participate. 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 said. “The decisions that need to be made will probably be made by others.” Real Madrid will face Getafe on Sunday, starting the weekend with a two-point lead over Barcelona, who will play against Girona on Saturday. Alonso dismissed any concern about Kylian Mbappé’s injury, who returned early from his international commitments with an ankle injury. “His ankle is fine,” Alonso assured. “He’s on the team and could be a starter.”

Title of the publication: Xabi Alonso has expressed his opposition to the proposed LaLiga match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami. Alonso also addressed the possible departure of Endrick in January and commented that midfielder Jude Bellingham is “better prepared” after his return to fitness. “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.”