Xabi Alonso’s dismissal from Real Madrid has caused astonishment in the soccer world, including at FC Bayern. Sports director Christoph Freund reacts with surprise and emphasizes the stable, successful situation at FC Bayern
The sacking of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid has caused a great deal of disquiet in the European soccer world – and has also caused disbelief at FC Bayern. Just six months after taking up his post, the former Leverkusen coach’s successful career with the Whites has already come to an end – a move that has surprised many in view of the high expectations placed on the Basque
Freund surprised by the quick end in Madrid
The Alonso shake-up was also closely noted at Säbener Straße. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund reacted openly and clearly to the developments in Spain in an interview with Sky. „I was very surprised,“ explained the 48-year-old with regard to the separation after the Supercopa final loss to FC Barcelona. For Freund, the quick cut is hardly comprehensible, at least from a sporting perspective
The Austrian referred to Alonso’s successful time in the Bundesliga: „We know Xabi from Leverkusen, he did an outstanding job – including the way the team played soccer and the mentality they had. For me, he is an exceptionally good coach,“ said Freund, words that underline Alonso’s high standing within the Bundesliga
At the same time, the Bayern boss emphasized that he lacked a deep insight into the internal processes at Real Madrid. „I don’t have the insight into what’s going on in Madrid, but it’s a bit crazy after such a short time,“ said Freund, adding that he did not want to pass judgment on the decision. „But it’s not for me to judge. I can only judge based on how I know Xabi Alonso. And he’s a really good coach.“
The fast pace of business – a contrast to FC Bayern
Alonso’s tenure at the Whites lasted just 232 days, a period that illustrates just how merciless the soccer business has become at the highest level. The pressure on the former world-class player had already increased noticeably before Christmas, with critical voices accompanying his work for weeks. Now, Álvaro Arbeloa, a new coach who most recently coached the second team, has taken over
The current situation at FC Bayern is completely different. Munich are enjoying sporting stability and Vincent Kompany and his team are clearly on course for the title. Freund deliberately used the comparison to assess the current situation at the German record champions. „The soccer business is sometimes really fast-moving. I don’t have a clearer insight,“ he said with a view to Madrid – and then turned the focus to his own team
„People can sense that“: harmony as a success factor
According to Freund, a lot of things are currently coming together at FC Bayern. „The chemistry, the atmosphere and the energy in the dressing room and in the whole building is really, really good,“ he emphasised with satisfaction. These factors are a decisive basis for the strong performances on the pitch. The sporting director is convinced that this positive mood is also visible to the outside world
„People can also sense that when they watch the team. For me, that’s a decisive factor in how well things are working here at the moment,“ Freund continued. FC Bayern is currently benefiting not only from sporting quality, but also from a functioning inner life. „People enjoy coming here, meeting up, spending time together. It’s just really fun to be at FC Bayern at the moment.“
While a new beginning is already underway in Madrid, Munich is showing just how valuable continuity, trust and calm can be. The abrupt departure of Xabi Alonso also serves as a reminder of how thin the line is in top international soccer – even for exceptionally good coaches.