The atmosphere at Real Madrid is growing increasingly tense. Despite maintaining a strong position in La Liga and looking likely to progress to the Champions League knockout stages, recent disappointing performances, including a loss at Anfield and a draw against Rayo Vallecano, have sparked concerns. The club’s hierarchy is now questioning the management style of coach Xabi Alonso, whose authority appears to be waning.
Alonso was brought in for his attractive playing style, which he successfully implemented at Bayer Leverkusen, characterized by high pressing and intense collective play. However, his vision has yet to fully materialize at Real Madrid. The team struggles to execute his pressing tactics consistently, and several key players seem reluctant to embrace his philosophy. This inconsistency has been particularly evident in away matches, where the squad has faltered under pressure.
Dependence on Kylian Mbappé
A significant point of contention is the team’s heavy reliance on Kylian Mbappé for offensive output. When the French forward is not performing at his peak, the entire attacking unit appears disjointed and ineffective. This dependency has been recognized as a critical issue during internal technical analyses conducted by the club.
Controversies and Management Challenges
The ongoing discussions surrounding officiating decisions have only added to the frustrations, notably two unawarded penalties during the match against Rayo Vallecano. However, these controversies cannot solely account for the team’s shortcomings. Internally, Alonso faces criticism for failing to make decisive changes; underperforming veterans retain their positions while promising young talents like Gonzalo and Endrick remain sidelined. This static hierarchy has fostered discontent within the squad.
Former club legends emphasize that a Real Madrid coach must assert authority over the dressing room or risk losing control. With the upcoming international break providing a crucial opportunity for reflection, Alonso will need to collaborate with club executives to identify the root causes of this collective slowdown and redefine his priorities moving forward.
While Real Madrid holds a comfortable lead in La Liga, their recent two matches without scoring serve as a stark warning. In a club where expectations are perpetually high, stagnation is not an option. Can Xabi Alonso turn this situation around before it escalates further?
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