Xabi Alonso and Refereeing in LaLiga: An In-Depth Analysis
The complete first season of Xabi Alonso at the helm of Real Madrid begins with expectations. Beyond the tactics and strategies he will implement, a key question arises: What is his opinion on the current state of refereeing in LaLiga?
The refereeing landscape in Spanish football has been tumultuous. Threats from unions, structural changes in the refereeing committee, and weekly controversies over controversial decisions have set the tone.
Alonso’s return to LaLiga, after his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, is a cause for celebration. His intelligence and modernity as a coach, characteristics he also displayed as a player, promise a demanding, though respectful, analysis of the referees.
Alonso’s career as a player, with a non-alarming card record, suggests a personality with firm and direct opinions. His experience with referees, both on and off the field, is revealing.
In the 2010 World Cup, Alonso demonstrated a deep knowledge of FIFA rules, even surpassing referee Horacio Elizondo in a quiz. Two years later, in the 2012 European Championship, he joined the voices of Real Madrid to defend Pepe against a controversial expulsion in the Champions League.
This past reveals Alonso’s ability to defend his convictions and question arbitrary decisions, a trait that will surely manifest itself in his role as coach.Xabi Alonso no teme expresar sus opiniones a los árbitros. Con su llegada a LaLiga como entrenador, podrían surgir más encuentros.Coaches are often cautioned, and Alonso is no exception. Referees will probably value his seriousness and respectful criticism, but also his competitive and communicative side.1:01Lewandowski: Alonso tiene potencial para convertirse en el mejor entrenador del mundo. Robert Lewandowski, del Barcelona, habla sobre Xabi Alonso antes de su primera temporada como entrenador del Real Madrid.Before the start of the season, the Technical Committee of Referees presented key changes: less use of VAR, emphasis on clear and obvious errors, a limit of eight seconds for goalkeepers to put the ball into play, and the restriction of protests to captains. In addition, they seek to humanize the figure of the referee, in an attempt to counteract the demonization suffered in recent years.
Among the new features, the hiring of a cybersecurity expert and the inclusion of former players and coaches in the referee evaluation stand out. Will this be beneficial or will it generate more controversy?
The match between Barcelona and Mallorca, with disputed refereeing decisions, highlights the complexity of refereeing. The lack of application of concussion protection protocols, despite the guidelines, generates frustration.
Ultimately, Xabi Alonso’s return to LaLiga promises an exciting analysis of refereeing. Fans and Alonso himself will have to prepare for the particularities and constant challenges presented by refereeing in Spanish football.1:03Ferran Torres aumenta la ventaja del Barça con un gol controvertido. El disparo de Ferran Torres desde la distancia encuentra la red para el Barcelona, para consternación de los jugadores del Mallorca que sienten que el juego debería haberse detenido por una lesión en la cabeza.
