Xabi Alonso has addressed the controversy surrounding the appointment of Unai Emery's replacement, Luis Aragones' former assistant, Juan Carlos Unzue, was initially rejected by Real Madrid, who instead opted for the relatively unknown Jagoba Arrasate. The decision was met with criticism from fans, who felt that the club had overlooked more suitable candidates, particularly Unzue and the former Real Sociedad coach, Eusebio Sacristan.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid player, has been vocal about his opinions on the matter, stating that the fans' reaction was understandable. He acknowledges that Unzue, who has been coaching in the lower divisions, has a wealth of experience and could have been a good fit for the club.

However, Alonso also believes that the club's decision to appoint Arrasate was a calculated one, taking into account the team's current situation and the need for a fresh start. He emphasizes that the new coach's inexperience is not necessarily a negative factor, but rather an opportunity for him to grow and learn.

As the team prepares to face Villarreal, Alonso is confident that the new coach will bring a positive energy to the team and that the players will adapt quickly to his style. He also highlights the importance of the fans' support, emphasizing that their enthusiasm and backing are crucial in helping the team overcome any challenges they may face.

Alonso's comments reflect the club's overall attitude towards the appointment, which is focused on giving the new coach time to settle in and prove himself. The team's performance against Villarreal will be closely watched as a gauge of the new coach's effectiveness.