“We won 15 Champions Leagues, don’t change anything or you’ll be fired” - Ex-Real Madrid nutritionist reveals harassment by club 

Former Real Madrid nutritionist Itziar Gonzalez has accused the club of harassment and rigid food choices despite winning a record 15 UEFA Champions League titles. The most recent of those wins came in 2024 following a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

A physiotherapy and osteopathy specialist, Gonzalez detailed her workplace 'harassment' in an interview with Marca, explaining what she was told on her first day at work (as per Mundo Deportivo):

“On the first day, they told me I was there because it was a whim of the president, but that they knew how to handle him and that he did whatever they wanted. They said they would manipulate him into believing I was crazy so that he would fire me."

In a subsequent interview with with Radio Euskadi, Gonzalez talked about the threat of getting fired if she tried to change anything:

“I told the club’s medical staff that pastries for breakfast didn’t seem like the most appropriate option to me, and their response was: ‘Everything has to stay the same—don’t change anything or you’ll be fired. We’ve won 15 Champions Leagues like this.’ That’s a phrase you hear there all the time. “They would say that if any player came in, I should treat them. But how is any player supposed to come if they don’t even know I exist or where this place is? And they replied: ‘Well, even better — then you earn money without working. Look how lucky you are. And I recommend you don’t leave here, because that’s the best way to stay at Real Madrid for a long time."

Los Blancos have won two of the last four UEFA Champions League titles on offer and have never lost a final in the Champions League era.

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How have Real Madrid fared in the UEFA Champions League this season?

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have had an underwhelming start to their UEFA Champions League campaign under new boss Xabi Alonso, who succeeded the legendary Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.

Los Blancos have won four of their opening six league phase games, losing two, and are seventh in the 36-team standings. Two of those losses have come in their last three outings - both against Premier League opposition.

After winning their first three games, Alonso's side stumbled 1-0 at Liverpool. Following a 4-3 win at Olympiacos, Los Merengues were at the receiving end of a 2-1 result against visiting Manchester City.

Edited by Bhargav