Former Player Blasts Real Madrid Boss Xabi Alonso: "I Expected a Little More"

Bayer Leverkusen's midfielder Jonas Hofmann has openly criticized his former coach Xabi Alonso, accusing him of lacking "transparent and straightforward" communication methods.

Following two and a half seasons managing Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso departed the German club in May to take over as Real Madrid's head coach. The Spanish tactician left an impressive mark at Leverkusen, guiding the team to their maiden Bundesliga championship in the 2023–24 season.

Despite widespread acclaim from the club and numerous former players regarding Alonso's tenure, Hofmann revealed his concerns about the manager's approach during a conversation with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

"I believe a manager should address issues directly when they arise. I value transparent and straightforward communication," Hofmann stated.

The German player emphasized the crucial nature of dialogue between players and their coach, regardless of the situation: "A maximum of two weeks should pass before a coach engages with his players to maintain their peak condition and elevate training standards."

Hofmann was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen's memorable 2023–24 season during his debut year with the team, featuring in 46 matches across various competitions. However, in the following season, the 33-year-old found himself frequently sidelined by Alonso, concluding the 2024–25 campaign with merely four league starting positions.

"Rivalry is always essential, that's understood," Hofmann remarked. "I anticipated somewhat more from a manager."

The appointment of new head coach Erik ten Hag represents a welcome new beginning for the former Borussia Mönchengladbach player: "Fresh manager, fresh chance. I'm a Bundesliga product and I'll battle to return to my standard. I feel positive, but under Xabi Alonso I likely would have considered relocating elsewhere."

Meanwhile, Alonso faces his own new challenge. The FIFA World Cup champion has been tasked by Real Madrid with restoring the world's most prestigious club to trophy-winning form.

The new manager's initial challenge occurred this summer during the FIFA Club World Cup, where Los Blancos suffered elimination in the semifinals against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the underwhelming result, the Spanish powerhouse still demonstrated significant progress in the United States after a disappointing final season under Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso aims to further develop trust and communication with his new squad before the 2025–26 season begins in under a month.