“Xabi is a baby coach after what he did today against PSG. I warned him about this particular player, but he turned deaf ears to me. Well, you can see the result now” – Pep Guardiola sends strong message after Real Madrid’s humiliating loss to PSG in the Club world cup semi final. “He just said what every Real Madrid fan is thinking right now. Xabi and that player are fully to blame for this embarrassing defeat
In a brutal post-match press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not hold back his criticism of Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso following Madrid’s shocking 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal last night.
The highly anticipated clash, billed as a clash of European giants, turned into an unexpected nightmare for Xabi Alonso’s side as PSG tore through the Spanish champions with ruthless ease. And speaking to the press shortly after the final whistle, Guardiola delivered a scathing verdict on his former midfield rival’s management.
“Xabi is a baby coach after what he did today against PSG,” Pep snapped when asked about the match. “I warned him about this particular player, but he turned deaf ears to me. Well, you can see the result now.”
Though Guardiola did not mention the player’s name directly, it’s widely believed he was referring to PSG’s breakout star Lucas Beraldo, who dominated the midfield and was involved in all four goals, leaving Real Madrid’s defensive line in shambles.
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Madrid Fans in Total Agreement
Guardiola’s comments immediately went viral, sparking heated debates across Spanish and international media. However, the majority of Real Madrid fans appeared to echo the City manager’s sentiments.
One prominent Madridista fan page on X (formerly Twitter) posted, “He just said what every Real Madrid fan is thinking right now. Xabi and that player are fully to blame for this embarrassing defeat. You can’t ignore warnings when facing a team like PSG.”
Others questioned Alonso’s tactics and starting lineup, with several fans furious over his decision to persist with underperforming players and ignoring defensive vulnerabilities that were ruthlessly exploited by Luis Enrique’s side.
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Pressure Mounting on Xabi Alonso
It’s a stinging blow for Xabi Alonso, who was appointed Real Madrid manager amid huge excitement and optimism. After guiding Madrid to La Liga’s summit and into the Club World Cup semifinal, many thought Alonso was building something special. But last night’s humiliation has cast serious doubt over his credentials at the elite level.
Madrid-based paper Marca led with the headline:
“A Baby Coach Mistake — Xabi’s Arrogance Costs Madrid Dearly.”
Meanwhile, AS reported that several Real Madrid board members were left “furious” at the manner of the defeat and are demanding immediate improvements.
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What Next for Real Madrid?
Florentino Pérez is expected to address the media tomorrow, with speculation growing over possible squad changes — and even Alonso’s position under scrutiny if results don’t improve quickly. The Club World Cup final will now see PSG face Manchester City, while Real Madrid head into the third-place playoff against Al Hilal, a far cry from the glory they were chasing.
As Guardiola concluded his press conference, he left with one final jab:
“At this level, you can’t be sentimental. You listen, you adapt, or you suffer. Tonight, Madrid suffered. And maybe Xabi needed this lesson.”