Thierry Henry Warns Real Madrid: “Don’t Even Think About Sacking Xabi Alonso”
Arsenal legend and football analyst Thierry Henry has issued a strong warning to Real Madrid amid growing speculation surrounding manager Xabi Alonso’s future. The Frenchman insists it would be “ludicrous” for the club to even consider sacking the Spaniard after just six months in charge.
Alonso has come under scrutiny following Real Madrid’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League — a result that has added pressure to an already tense period for Los Blancos.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry did not mince words.
“I don’t know what the board wants to do or not,” he said when asked about the rumours.
“I find it always ludicrous that a manager can be in trouble after being six months in the job. I don’t personally agree with that.”
Henry stressed that Alonso, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this year, deserves patience and trust.
“I don’t think they should question the coach.”
Opinion: Real Madrid Must Resist Their Old Habits — Alonso Deserves Time, Not Pressure
Thierry Henry is absolutely right, and Real Madrid need to hear him loudly. The club’s history of impatience with managers is legendary — and costly. While Madrid is built on ambition and immediate success, football has changed. Teams thrive on stability, not panic.
Xabi Alonso walked into one of the toughest jobs in world football. Expectations are sky-high, the fanbase is demanding, and every slip becomes a headline. Yet even with all that, Alonso has shown tactical maturity, boldness, and a long-term vision that Real Madrid desperately needs in this transition era.
Sacking him just months into the project would be repeating an old mistake: prioritizing reaction over strategy.
The truth is simple — no top club wins consistently without trusting its manager. Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta… all were allowed to grow through difficult early runs. Real Madrid must allow Alonso the same grace if they want sustainable success.
A single loss to Manchester City — arguably the best team in Europe — should not define him.
Patience isn’t weakness. In Alonso’s case, it might just be Real Madrid’s greatest strength.
