The La Liga rankings may show Real Madrid in first place, but appearances are deceiving. Behind the scenes, a crisis is brewing and threatens to implode the project led by Xabi Alonso. Arriving this summer with the aura of the country’s child returned as a hero, the former midfielder sees his authority crumble week after week. The proposed game is considered boring and, even more serious, a clear divide seems to have been created with part of his locker room.
A boring game, players who drop out
The most virulent criticism comes from Spanish television sets, where football evenings are a religion. On the famous show El Chiringuitothe observation is severe: “The club is starting to lose faith in Alonso”. Same story on the radio side El Larguerowhere we describe a heavy atmosphere: “It seems that the players are not having fun”. The style of play, considered too rigid and lacking intensity, is singled out. The team does not run any further than its opponents and gives the impression of playing with the handbrake. A situation that is starting to worry up to the highest level of management.
This rupture is not only philosophical, it is also human. Several media report that locker room executives judge the Basque technician to be “cold” and distant.
Far from the paternal management of Ancelotti, Alonso’s methods, more directive, create tensions. Tactical choices, such as the repositioning of certain players or the management of specific cases, are less and less understood internally.
“Cold” and “misunderstood”: the Real Madrid locker room turns against Alonso
The conflict with Vinicius, the spark that ignites the powder
The major point of tension is called Vinicius Junior. The relationship between the two men became frosty, reaching a point of no return during the last Clasico. The Brazilian, an essential star of the Madrid project, would not feel appreciated at his true value by his coach. And in this standoff, the club has already chosen its side. The winger’s contract extension is the top priority of Florentino Pérez, who would consider Alonso’s management “unfair” and counterproductive.
By openly challenging the team’s star, Xabi Alonso made a mistake that the White House rarely forgives. He is criticized for not having understood that the opportunity to coach Real Madrid only presents itself once and that he is wasting it by moving away from his own principles. The international break offers a respite, but the unease is deep. If the results deteriorate, the future of the club legend on the bench could be dotted.
