What happened at the Club World Cup wasn’t just a one-off failure for one Real Madrid player; it marked a shocking turning point in his relationship with the fans and even his position within the first team.
The young player, who had attracted attention last season, suddenly found himself at the center of criticism after a series of costly mistakes that sparked widespread controversy among analysts and fans alike.
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Behind the scenes, however, coach Xabi Alonso acted in an unexpected manner, making a surprising decision that shifted the balance in the dressing room.
We’re talking here about Raúl Asensio, the young defender who came under fire after three fatal blunders during the recent Club World Cup. His mistakes didn’t go unnoticed—especially since they occurred at crucial moments that affected the team’s results.
Although several players failed to perform up to their usual standards, Asensio’s errors were clear and decisive, making him a focal point of the fans’ frustration.
Yet, contrary to expectations, his coach didn’t abandon him. Xabi Alonso invited him to a private meeting at the team’s residence and delivered a strong message of support, saying:
“Don’t think for a moment that I’ve lost confidence in you because of this tournament. We believe in you, and we know you’re coming off a great season. This is just a milestone, and you’ll come back stronger.”
Despite the criticism, Real Madrid’s management still sees Asensio as a long-term defensive asset. The club has already decided to renew his contract with the first team—a move that confirms their belief in his potential, especially since he has completed only one season since his promotion from the reserve team.
Asensio expressed his deep appreciation for the coach’s support and the backing he received from the management, writing on his Instagram account:
“The season in which my dream of joining the best club in the world came true is coming to an end, but it didn’t end as I had hoped. I feel I wasn’t at my best… Now I’m counting down the days to return to the Bernabéu. Forever, Hala Madrid.”
The young Spanish talent now has the opportunity to prove himself once again, particularly during the current preparatory tour in the United States.
In a star-studded squad, all eyes will once again be on Raúl, who possesses all the ingredients to turn this setback into a positive driving force for the upcoming season.
