Ahead of El Clasico 2025, Alonso warns Real Madrid to stay focused and not be distracted by the Lamine Yamal controversy surrounding Barcelona.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has warned his players to focus on today’s massive encounter against Barcelona and not to be distracted by controversy surrounding Lamine Yamai.
Recall that a cheeky jab Yamal, who provocatively claimed during an interview for the King’s League that “Real Madrid always steal.”
His remarks have ignited a firestorm within the realm of Spanish football, prompting a wave of backlash and debate.
However, in a chat with the club’s website, Alonso warned his players to focus on the game on the pitch and not Yamal.
“It is clear that a Clásico is special, and it has been for many years. It is a first for this new project, and we need the stadium to have that energy of the big matches…We must be ready, play at the highest level and have the necessary energy.”
“Lamine Yamal ‘s statements? Are you still talking to me about that? I won’t dwell on it. What matters is how we play tomorrow. There are a lot of statements from people at Barcelona and I can’t analyze them all.
“There are times for everything. The players have to be ready. I’m not thinking about anything else.”