Xabi Alonso responds to Joan Laporta's Real Madrid and Barcelona 'power' comments: 'It goes both ways'
Published 26/06/2025 at 13:05 GMT+1
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has defended his club after Barcelona president Joan Laporta said there was a "feeling of power" at the Bernabeu, compared to the Catalan club's "feeling of freedom". Laporta also commented on Real's tendency to sign players compared to Barcelona's history of producing talent. Alonso has now responded back to Laporta, saying "there is a sense of democracy" at Real.
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Xabi Alonso has responded back to Joan Laporta after the Barcelona president claimed his club has a "feeling of freedom" compared to Real Madrid’s "feeling of power".
After spending five years at Real as a player, Alonso returned to the Bernabeu this summer as manager following a successful period in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
Speaking ahead of Real's final group game at the FIFA Club World Cup, the 43-year-old defended his club, saying there is "a sense of democracy".
The Spaniard told reporters: "I imagine the context, and I don’t want to get into that, but we have a sense of democracy [at Real], of freedom as well, and, I imagine they have some notion of being close to power too. It goes both ways,"
"It’s the most prestigious team in the world," Alonso added. "Its history speaks for itself, wherever you go. And this is what makes Madrid great. And these are factors that help Madrid achieve more, helps push the club forward.
"It’s a privilege and an honour to be part of this club. I will try to achieve our goals and enhance our legend."
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With Barcelona’s side last season packed with academy graduates, Laporta suggested this was another point of difference between the Clasico rivals.
Speaking at a club event, the Barcelona president told Mundo Deportivo: "Madrid has a feeling of power, and we have a feeling of freedom, of identity.
"They’re more into signing players, and we have more players from La Masia."
Real were beaten to all three domestic trophies by Barcelona last season, with La Masia graduates Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsi among the key players in the team.
Hansi Flick’s men finished four points clear at the top of La Liga and overcame Real in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.
Bellingham 'key' in final group game as Mbappe remains out
Speaking ahead of Real's crucial final group game against RB Salzburg, Alonso confirmed Kylian Mbappe would not feature for Los Blancos in Philadelphia.
Despite returning to training, the French forward is not deemed fit enough to play after suffering from gastroenteritis, which also ruled him out of the first two matches.
It’s still all to play for in Group H, with Real level on points with Salzburg and only two points ahead of Al-Hilal.
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England’s Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal in Real's 3-1 win over Pachuca last time out, and Alonso wants more of the same from the midfielder.
The Real boss told reporters: "He'll be key. I love what he does in midfield, how he's involved in every play, and he has a lot of quality. We saw that against Pachuca.
"We try to stay close to him; he's very ambitious, a player who always wants to improve, to keep growing. We're eager to continue watching him grow and improve."
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