Xabi Alonso’s return to Real Madrid was supposed to mark the beginning of a fresh and exciting era. After his incredible success with Bayer Leverkusen, many believed he was ready to lead Los Blancos into the future. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
His calm personality, modern tactics, and deep understanding of the club made him look like the perfect choice. However, the reality at the Santiago Bernabeu has been far more challenging. Early defeats at home against Celta Vigo and Manchester City quickly shifted the mood. What was once optimism soon turned into doubt, with Spanish media openly questioning Alonso’s future.
Although Real Madrid managed to secure a 2–1 win over Deportivo Alaves, the pressure has not disappeared. Instead, the quick rise of criticism shows how unforgiving the environment can be for a coach, even one with Alonso’s reputation.
Leverkusen’s CEO Speaks Out
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro did not stay silent as his former coach came under fire. He openly criticized Real Madrid’s leadership, accusing the club of leaving Alonso isolated during difficult moments. According to Carro, this reflects a wider culture at Madrid.
Carro explained that at some clubs, including Leverkusen, coaches are fully supported when results dip. At Real Madrid, however, managers are often treated as expendable figures who carry all the blame when things go wrong.
He strongly believes that Alonso’s struggles are not about a lack of quality. Instead, they are the result of a ruthless structure where the coach stands alone, without protection from the board or president Florentino Perez.
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A Relationship Beyond Football
Despite Alonso’s struggles in Spain, his bond with Carro remains strong. Their relationship was built over three years in Germany, where they transformed Leverkusen into an unbeaten domestic force and made club history together.
Carro recently visited Alonso in Madrid during the international break. The meetings were warm and personal, involving not only the coaching staff but also their families. This shows that their connection goes far beyond professional ties.
Both sides continue to follow each other’s matches closely. There is clear mutual respect, admiration, and emotional support, which highlights how valued Alonso still is by those who worked closely with him before.
The Relentless Pressure of the Bernabeu
Real Madrid is a club where success is expected immediately. Alonso actually started strongly, winning 13 of his first 14 matches, including an important victory over Barcelona. At that point, everything seemed to be going perfectly.
The turning point came after a loss to Liverpool, which triggered a poor run of form. Madrid slipped behind in the La Liga title race and faced danger of dropping out of the Champions League top eight, increasing the pressure on the coach.
Carro’s comments serve as a warning to fans and critics. Without patience and support, even the most talented coaches can fail. Whether Florentino Perez listens or not, the idea that Xabi Alonso has been “left alone” continues to grow louder as speculation around his future intensifies. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.