Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, 16:52 / Updated on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 16:53
Rafael Nadal (39), the tennis legend who retired in 2024, spoke about the situation at Real Madrid and the work done by Xabi Alonso (44) during his presence at the Marca newspaper gala.
Rafa has called for patience for Madrid's new project and is not worried about the team's poor form.
Nadal defends Xabi Alonso
real madrid was the target of criticism after a three-match winless run and Barcelona closed the points gap in the table. Nadala dedicated Galactic supporter, jumped to the coach's defense and called for calm in evaluating long-term projects.
“I see this as a natural process of a sport that needs to be written about for many pages every day and talked about for hours,” he said, putting the moment in context.
Nadal said that despite the recent results, the team remains in a top position. “It is true that the last three games did not go as well as the players and the technical staff would have liked, but there are only moments.
I don't think anyone from Real Madrid wouldn't have signed to be in first place in La Liga a few months ago,” he said, quoted by abola.pt.
The former tennis player emphasized that Alonso's project is new and needs time to form. “It is a new project, with a new coach, there are many things to assimilate. You need time to get everything set up.”
Acknowledging that expectations at Real Madrid are always very high due to the club's history, Nadal said Alonso's work should be appreciated.
“What is needed now is patience and time will tell if this project will take the team where everyone hopes. Xabi is a very well-prepared coach who understands the game and knows how to manage situations,” Nadal concluded his speech.
The up-to-date standings in La Liga
