The latest statements by the president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, about Real Madrid have not gone down very well in the 'merengues' side, and Xabi Alonso, coach of the 'blancos', has already responded to 'Jan's' comments.
In this context, the blaugrana president, during his participation in the last chapter of 'La Llotja del 125', dedicated precisely to Barcelona's 125th anniversary, stated the differences that mark the identity of Barça and Real Madrid, referring to power and freedom.
"We have different feelings. They have a close feeling of power and we have a feeling of freedom. Each one defends their own. We feed each other with rivalry, from institutional respect. We base it on youth football and create talent. This makes us proud of what we are. We are more than a club."
This was not very pleasing at Real Madrid, because in the preview of the last match for the group stage of the Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso, when asked about Laporta's statements, took the opportunity to respond with a bit of irony.
"I imagine in the context that he will have said it. We have a feeling of freedom and democracy, and I imagine they also have some power. This goes both ways."
In this way, the new 'merengues' coach institutionally defends the club he manages. In addition, he has a past as a Madrid player and is very loved by the white fans.
Similarly, this is how both Barça and Real Madrid seem not to forget about each other. Likewise, their top figures always leave a 'message' to their staunch rival.
Madrid in the Club World Cup, first in the group but with little football
Real Madrid leads Group H with 7 points and faces Red Bull Salzburg this morning (3:00) to try to close the group stage in the first position.
It should be noted that the 'blancos' drew (1-1) the first match with Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, while in the second they won (3-1) against Pachuca of the Mexican league.
Xabi Alonso's team has not managed to show its best version. From the lack of collective play to the problems in defense, as throughout the 2024/25 season, they have made Madrid, until now, a very predictable team.
Mbappé, out of the squad
During the press conference, Xabi Alonso also commented that the French attacker Kylian Mbappé will also not be part of the squad for the match against RB Salzburg, as he is not 100% recovered, although he trained with the group.
It should be noted that Mbappé has not played any match in the group stage because he is finishing recovering from gastroenteritis that was affecting him.