In the concluded La Liga Round 13, Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Elche. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s position is causing unrest. The Spanish coach’s working environment, tactical decisions, and dressing room relations have become the focus of attention for Real Madrid’s senior management and the outside world.
Disappointment from the Club and Fan Fatigue
The management is not only dissatisfied with Alonso and his coaching staff’s current performance but also "tired of several players." The defeat in the Madrid Derby became a turning point, with Alonso and the players criticized for the so-called "lack of attitude." Subsequent dropped points against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano have exacerbated the performance crisis, gradually eroding confidence in the team’s plan from all parties.
Fans who originally had high hopes for the modern-style coach have also begun to show dissatisfaction. Supporters are "extremely disgusted with the behavior of certain players," marking the first time "superstars have been publicly criticized." The unexpected lack of patience with Alonso’s plan is fostering an unstable environment.
Ideological Conflicts Between Alonso and Star Players
Currently, the Real Madrid players who have rifts with Alonso include: Vinícius, Valverde, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Mendy. Notably, Camavinga and Valverde’s lackadaisical movement after Elche forward Álvaro Rodríguez scored (having only been on the pitch for 20 minutes) was surprising.
English midfielder Bellingham has also been drawn into the vortex, with reports suggesting he "is gradually aligning with the camp opposing Alonso." Meanwhile, Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Arda Güler, and Mastantonis are among the supporters of the Spanish coach. This division echoes the sharp comment circulating in programs: "Real Madrid’s best coaches are either those who have left or those who are yet to come, never the one in charge."
The Vinícius Incident and Loss of Authority
"The incident of Vinícius being substituted in El Clásico" is the trigger for the current conflicts. When the Brazilian forward erupted in anger after being substituted but faced no disciplinary action from the club, it was seen as "depriving Alonso of his coaching authority." Morales emphasized: "If the club had firmly supported Alonso at that time, his prestige in the dressing room would have been completely different," arguing that clear boundaries should have been drawn from the start to establish the coach’s authority.
However, Alonso is also to blame—analysis points out that he "is losing his voice" due to a weak attitude. Public opinion criticizes him for not taking tougher measures against Vinícius’ behavior. Although the player apologized afterward, the coach only held a one-on-one conversation with him before the away game against Elche when informing him of the substitute decision. This delayed handling also sparked controversy.
The Harm of Management’s Silence
The board’s lack of public support has further weakened the coach’s authority. At the recent general meeting of members, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez did not defend the current coach, instead directing more praise at Ancelotti and Álvaro Arbeloa. "I hope Alonso isn’t listening to the radio right now," Castano commented on his predicament on the eve of Alonso’s birthday. This subtle moment beyond the scope of sports is testing the stability of Real Madrid’s project.
A Shattered Team-Building Vision
Insiders at the club reminded Morales of Alonso’s declaration when he took charge of Real Madrid: "My coaching challenge is to build a team and make us move forward together." But the current situation conveyed by the journalist is: "Neither goal has been achieved." Doubts were sown as early as after the first defeat to Atlético Madrid—when dissatisfaction from the president circulated within the club. While results can turn everything around, patience now seems to have run out.
