‘I don’t want him in my locker room’ — Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso blames one player for the team’s defensive woes this season and orders his sale.
In a striking press conference that has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, Real Madrid’s new head coach Xabi Alonso openly criticized the club’s defensive issues this season. Speaking candidly, Alonso pointed to a senior defender as the root cause, signaling that the player’s future at the club is over.
“I don’t want to see him in my locker room. He’s the reason behind our defensive crisis this season,” Alonso declared bluntly.
Although Alonso did not explicitly name the player at that moment, several credible sources close to the club and Spanish media have identified him as Ferland Mendy.
A surprising exit for Ferland Mendy
Since joining Real Madrid in 2019 from Lyon, the French left-back has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, making several critical errors during key matches, including shock losses to Atlético Madrid and Girona. His defensive lapses have reportedly frustrated not only the fans but also Alonso, who had assessed the squad extensively before his appointment.
“At this club, standards are non-negotiable. Wearing this badge means defending with everything you’ve got. Anyone who fails to do so won’t remain here,” Alonso emphasized.
Club ready to negotiate
Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez and the board have started considering offers for Mendy, with interest reportedly coming from Premier League and Serie A clubs. Alonso fully supports the sale, aiming to bring in a dependable left-back during the summer transfer period.
Insiders reveal that Mendy’s departure has been under consideration for weeks, but Alonso’s forceful public comments confirmed his imminent exit.
Who might step in?
Potential replacements mentioned include Alphonso Davies, Miguel Gutiérrez, and Girona’s Arnau Martínez. Known for his tactical rigor and defensive discipline during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso is determined to reconstruct Real Madrid’s defense into one of Europe’s strongest units.
“We will sign players who are fully committed to this club. Real Madrid will defend like champions again,” Alonso vowed.
The end of Mendy’s Real Madrid journey
After five seasons and multiple La Liga and Champions League victories, Ferland Mendy’s chapter at Real Madrid seems to be closing — a once hopeful tenure ending on a disappointing note.
Official announcements are expected from the club soon.
Want me to make it more formal, casual, or shorter?
