Real Madrid are facing growing internal tension as reports suggest the dressing room is becoming divided over Xabi Alonso’s coaching methods. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Recent results have only added fuel to the fire, with Los Blancos dropping key points in the La Liga title race. Their latest setback came in a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Girona, marking their third straight league match without a win.
The team has struggled during a long stretch of away fixtures, which began after the Santiago Bernabéu hosted an NFL game in mid-November. A lack of rhythm and the demands of constant travel appear to have affected performances. Although the team managed a chaotic 4-3 Champions League win over Olympiacos, their league form has stalled.
According to The Athletic, there is a “division of opinion” within the squad, though not enough to damage relationships between players. Still, the unease has contributed to concerns about the club’s direction as they now trail Barcelona by a single point.
Blame Game Begins in the Capital
Questions around Alonso’s methods are not new. As early as October, reports suggested some players were uncomfortable with his style and tactical ideas. A meeting was held recently to address the tension, with key players like Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga trying to dismiss talk of internal conflict.
Even so, differing opinions persist within the squad. Some players believe Alonso’s approach is the root of the team’s struggles, while others argue that the issues lie elsewhere. One insider insisted, “This is not the coach’s problem,” pointing instead to squad imbalance.
Another source highlighted a deeper issue: the challenge of fitting Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham into a balanced system. Alonso’s messages are reportedly not fully connecting with the players, which has contributed to inconsistent and disjointed displays.
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A Tough Road Ahead for Alonso
Members of the coaching staff acknowledge the difficulty of reshaping the team after Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure. The shift in style and structure was always likely to take time, and there is no simple solution to the problems Alonso inherited. As a result, his job is not considered to be under immediate threat.
However, the upcoming fixtures starting with a challenging away match against Athletic Club are seen as important not only for results but also for the team’s overall image. Performances have dipped sharply, with the Girona draw described internally as a “disaster.” Real Madrid’s playing level has sparked real concern within the club, leaving Alonso with the task of restoring confidence and direction as pressure continues to build.
Alonso’s Moment to Prove Himself
Despite the turbulence, Alonso’s record shows signs of promise. In his 25 games in charge, he has won 18 and lost only three. His success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023–24, earned him his return to Madrid with high expectations.
Still, some figures from his time in Germany questioned his approach, and similar doubts are now emerging in Spain. With such a star-studded squad, results alone are not enough players must fully embrace his vision for the system to work.
Alonso still has time to turn things around this season. With talents like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius at his disposal, the potential for success remains enormous. But the team must unite behind him if Real Madrid hope to regain their form and push for major trophies. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.