Rumblings from Spain are painting a tense picture at Real Madrid, where the early months of Xabi Alonso’s managerial reign have reportedly created a divide inside one of football’s most star-studded dressing rooms.
The former midfield maestro arrived in Madrid with the promise of modern ideas and tactical discipline. Yet according to Spanish outlets, not everyone has bought into his approach.
A Good Start On Paper, A Storm Behind The Scenes
From a results perspective, Alonso’s opening chapter at the Bernabéu looks impressive. Real Madrid have lost only three of their first twenty-three matches under him and sit top of La Liga after thirteen games.
But football’s biggest clubs rarely operate on results alone. After a frustrating 2-2 draw with Elche, Spanish media reported that Madrid had gone into what was described as “crisis mode”, with whispers of unhappiness leaking into the public space.
Madrid Universal and journalist Arancha Rodriguez claim that six senior players are unhappy with Alonso’s tactics and man-management. The list includes some of the club’s most influential names:
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Vinicius Junior
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Rodrygo
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Federico Valverde
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Brahim Diaz
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Endrick
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Ferland Mendy
- Antonio Rudiger
For a club built on fragile harmony and world-class talent, that is no small group.
Vinicius And Alonso’s Relationship Reportedly Hits A Breaking Point
The most dramatic tension reportedly comes from Vinicius Junior, who has become one of Real’s biggest global stars. According to reports, the winger is so unhappy with Alonso’s leadership that he has privately claimed he would not renew his contract if Alonso remains in charge.
On Spanish football forums and social media fans have been split too.
Some supporters are asking“How do you lose Vinicius in a dressing room? That is as serious as it gets.”
Another said, “If Vini and Rodrygo are unhappy, you have to fix the problem quickly. This is the future of the club.”
Others are backing Alonso and saying that no player is bigger than the club and are calling for Vinicius to leave if he doesn’t fix his attitude.
For South African fans who passionately follow European giants, the situation brings back memories of previous Real Madrid power struggles like Mourinho versus Ramos or Zidane managing Ronaldo’s ego. It is a club where talent always talks loudly.
Struggles For Playing Time Fuel The Frustration
Players like Diaz, Rodrygo, Mendy and teenage sensation Endrick are reportedly frustrated by limited minutes and unclear roles.
Valverde’s issue is different. Once one of Madrid’s most versatile success stories, he has reportedly grown unsettled after constantly being shifted into unfamiliar positions on the pitch.
The Spanish giants are never short on competition, but with Alonso pushing for a rigid tactical identity, not everyone feels they fit the new mould.
Not Everyone Is Against The Manager
Despite the noise, several players are said to be firmly behind Alonso.New defensive signings Alvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen have become trusted starters and are reportedly pleased with the manager’s methods.
Veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has also thrown his support behind Alonso, while Arda Guler has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the coaching change after struggling for minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.
And then there is Kylian Mbappe, who is thriving. The French superstar has started the season in devastating form, scoring eighteen goals in seventeen matches. For many Madrid fans, Mbappe’s happiness is a powerful indicator of the club’s future direction.
Read more: Kylian Mbappe’s 263 Million Euro Showdown With PSG Sends Shockwaves Through European Football
What Comes Next For Madrid And Alonso
Real Madrid are now turning their attention back to the UEFA Champions League, with a crucial match against Olympiakos on Wednesday night. A strong performance could ease the tension, at least temporarily.
But the underlying question remains:
Can Alonso rebuild trust within a dressing room filled with megastars?
At a club like Real Madrid, unity is everything. Titles are expected, pressure is constant, and a manager must not only win matches but win hearts.
If the reported split is as real as Spanish media claim, Alonso faces the biggest challenge of his young coaching career.
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Source: Soccer Laduma
Featured Image Source: Fabrizio Romano on X
