Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso’s Future in Jeopardy After Celta Defeat

The defeat of Real Madrid against Celta Vigo has raised serious questions about Xabi Alonso‘s position as head coach. Although it seems unlikely that he will be dismissed before the crucial match against Manchester City, this setback has undoubtedly weakened his standing within the club. The recent victory at San Mamés had sparked hopes that the team was emerging from a slump following their disappointing performance at Anfield. However, the loss to Celta, managed by Claudio Giráldez, has revealed that the win in the Basque Country was merely a temporary reprieve.

Currently, Real Madrid finds itself four points adrift of Barcelona in La Liga, a gap that has widened since the Catalans regained key players. While the situation is not yet critical, it is undeniably precarious. Last season, Madrid failed to secure any major trophies, and now the specter of a second consecutive season without silverware looms large.

Internal Division and Diminished Authority

Recent reports indicate a divided dressing room regarding Alonso’s methods. Some of the club’s most trusted journalists are highlighting a significant erosion of his authority among club executives and a growing rift between him and several players. José Félix Diaz from AS noted that Alonso’s next critical assessment would be during the Supercopa de España in January. However, he now believes that the defeat against Celta could alter the dynamics entirely; a loss to Manchester City in the upcoming Champions League clash could have serious repercussions for Alonso’s future at Concha Espina.

Critics have pointed out that during the match against Celta, there were alarming signs of complacency and lethargy among the players. For 65 minutes, there was an apparent lack of competitive tension, as if they were detached from the game. Alonso’s substitutions, bringing on Rodrygo and later Gonzalo, did little to change the course of events, highlighting his apparent helplessness in motivating his squad.

Players’ Discontent and Tactical Missteps

Josep Pedrerol from El Chiringuito responded to criticisms regarding player indifference by asserting that Alonso has not found an effective formula—whether in his lineups, substitutions, or overall strategy. He emphasized that club president Florentino Pérez surely shares these concerns but faces challenges when it comes to dismissing multiple players mid-season. As Pedrerol noted, “the players ultimately decide the fate of the coach.” Reports suggest that some players are indifferent to their roles and more focused on their salaries than on contributing to Real Madrid’s success.

The situation is further complicated by claims from OkDiario that several players were already skeptical about Alonso’s game plan prior to facing Celta Vigo. They expressed concerns over an experimental defensive setup featuring Asensio at right-back and Carreras in central defense—decisions that they feared could prove costly. It appears that some within the squad no longer comprehend Alonso’s tactical choices, especially as he seems to have shifted focus towards star players like Bellingham and Vinícius while sidelining crucial supporting figures such as Brahim Díaz and Dani Ceballos.

This ongoing turmoil is causing frustration among Real Madrid’s hierarchy, particularly for Pérez. While he recognizes that Alonso is not solely responsible for the team’s struggles, drastic changes to the squad mid-season are not feasible. As it stands, any further defeats or negative streaks could see Alonso and his coaching staff bear the brunt of responsibility.

With a significant portion of the dressing room appearing to have turned against him, it’s increasingly difficult to envision how Alonso can salvage his position at Real Madrid moving forward.