Xabi Alonso: The Coach Who Lost Control of His Dressing Room

Last summer, Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid with a clear mandate: to forge a modern, identifiable team that would break free from the alternating styles of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. The Basque coach, fresh off a historic double with Bayer Leverkusen, arrived with high expectations. As noted by Marca, Alonso was not there to simply fit into the existing squad; he aimed to transform it. His vision was straightforward: ensure every player contributed while adopting an aggressive pressing style to regain possession high up the pitch.

However, tensions began to surface as Rodrygo found himself sidelined and competing for minutes with Vinícius Júnior, who frequently ended up on the bench. The team’s early results were promising, with victories dominating their record—aside from a heavy defeat at the Metropolitano. Yet, discontent brewed among key players like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Vinícius regarding Alonso’s methods, which included lengthy video sessions and demanding tactical drills.

The Breaking Point

The rift between some players and Alonso became glaringly obvious during the Clásico. Vinícius Júnior emerged as the focal point of this discord, visibly frustrated with his diminished role and the defensive responsibilities placed upon him by the coach. This tension reached a boiling point when Vinícius reacted explosively after being substituted with 20 minutes left in the match. The club chose not to intervene in this incident, leaving Alonso to navigate the fallout alone.

Marca posits that this moment marked a turning point for Alonso, who sensed he had lost the support of his dressing room and felt isolated from club management. Following that match, the team’s pressing intensity noticeably declined, indicating a shift in dynamics. The coach transitioned from being an authoritative figure to more of a caretaker role, forced to appease player grievances and manage egos—a task exemplified by several meetings held in Greece with various squad members.

A Shift in Strategy

As a result of this internal strife, Alonso has retreated from his initial tactical philosophy established at the beginning of the season. He now finds himself at the mercy of player sentiment rather than steering the ship as he intended. This shift raises questions about his long-term viability at Real Madrid and whether he can regain control over both his tactics and the dressing room atmosphere.

The situation is emblematic of the challenges faced by coaches at elite clubs where player power can sometimes supersede managerial authority. As Real Madrid navigates this turbulent period under Alonso’s leadership, fans will be left wondering if he can restore harmony within his squad or if further fractures will emerge as the season progresses.

The stakes are high for Xabi Alonso; can he reclaim his vision for this team before it’s too late?