At a glance
- Luis Figo reacted to what looks set to be a trophyless season for Real Madrid
- The former Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that fired manager Xabi Alonso didn’t have enough time to prove himself.
- There was also praise for FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has commented on what appears to be a second consecutive trophyless season for Los Blancos, in quotes carried by MARCA.
Considering Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal exit to Bayern Munich, and FC Barcelona leading La Liga by nine points, no major silverware making its way to the Bernabeu is probable.
Asked about this from the Laureus Awards, Figo said: “The reality is that it is a bad season. For Madrid, if you don’t win, it’s always a negative season. When the titles are missing, it’s because things didn’t work.”
Madrid fired Xabi Alonso in January in reaction to a Spanish Super Cup loss to Barca, and Figo feels that he didn’t have enough of a chance to work his magic ahead of being replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
“I don’t think he had the time. We haven’t had time to make an analysis of the months he was there either. It’s very complicated,” Figo reflected.
Figo admires Real Madrid nemesis Lamine Yamal
A challenger for the Ballon d’Or he won in 2000 after switching allegiances from Barca, Luis Figo had praise for Lamine Yamal.
“He’s incredible. He’s an incredible talent. I hope he continues to grow as a player and has an amazing career,” Figo said.
Like Madrid, however, Lamine won’t be in the Champions League semfinals and Figo discussed who he fancies for the big-eared trophy.
“From what they have shown, my favourites are PSG and Bayern. They are two very strong teams. I like the way they play football, but anything can happen. We’re in the best moment of the Champions League and the teams that are there have deserved it,” Figo concluded.
