It was meant to embody the continuity of success and modern tactical rigor. But despite an excellent start to the season, Xabi Alonso is already facing internal unrest. According to The Athleticseveral Real Madrid executives would tolerate less and less the authoritarian style and coldness of the new coach, considered too distant. Behind the facade smiles, the atmosphere would have become considerably tense within the Merengue locker room.
Xabi Alonso already criticized for his methods
According to the British media, certain stars like Vinicius Junior or Rodrygo would have expressed their discomfort with Alonso's methods, which are very different from those of Carlo Ancelotti. The former Leverkusen coach reportedly imposed strict discipline, additional weight training sessions and detailed video analysis. Requirements poorly received by players accustomed to more freedom under “Don Carlo”. “Some have won everything without these new methods and don’t see the point,” reports a source close to the group. One of them even said a sentence that went viral internally:
“He thinks he’s Guardiola, but he’s only Xabi.”
The Spaniard, known to be demanding, has also attracted criticism for his lack of human proximity. Several executives regret the warmth and benevolence of Ancelotti, replaced according to them by distant management. Even the atmosphere at the training center would have changed: the players' families and advisors would no longer be as welcome there as before.
Real Madrid: internal tensions around the management of Xabi Alonso
Results that mask tensions
Sportingly, Real Madrid remains untouchable: leader of Liga with five points ahead of Barça and undefeated in the Champions League. But certain signs show a crack. During the last Clasico, Vinicius left the pitch furious after his substitution, before threatening to “think about your future”. An episode revealing a climate less serene than it seems.
For the moment, Alonso keeps control thanks to his results. But he knows that the honeymoon could quickly end if performance declines. By attacking strong egos, the Spaniard is playing a risky game: that of the technician who wants to control everything. And at Real Madrid, few people escape unscathed.
