Real Madrid Legend Delivers Brutal Wake-Up Call to Xabi Alonso
Former Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos believes Xabi Alonso faces football's most challenging role—since even victories provide no security at the Spanish powerhouse.
The 15-time European champions boast a worldwide following and are considered the planet's premier club, surpassing Premier League heavyweights Manchester United. This creates impossibly elevated standards in Madrid, where fans demand every possible trophy—an expectation typically echoed by the executive board.
Just Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti have demonstrated the resilience, resolve and tenacity needed to successfully helm Madrid in this millennium, capturing six European titles collectively plus several domestic league championships.
Alonso assumed the managerial position this summer, replacing Ancelotti who left after four seasons to lead Brazil's national squad, though his reign has been plagued by rumors of internal conflicts and fan criticism regarding his tactical approach and playing philosophy. Despite this, the Spanish coach has secured 22 victories from 31 matches, maintaining a 70.4% success rate.
Kroos: Alonso Understood the Expectations He'd Face
For most clubs, such statistics would represent outstanding performance. At Real Madrid, it's merely meeting expectations, especially with Barcelona holding a four-point advantage atop La Liga entering the customary winter hiatus. This explains why Kroos, instrumental in most of Zidane and Ancelotti's European triumphs, considers Alonso's position the most demanding coaching role in football.
"Managing Madrid is the most difficult coaching challenge, it's incredibly tough. At this club, winning games doesn't truly satisfy anyone, very few teams operate this way," Kroos explained during his guest appearance on Brazilian icon Romário's YouTube show.
"When you tie or lose, the organization isn't accustomed to setbacks. Criticism comes swiftly. Coaches have minimal time. You cannot plan how you want to develop over one or two years, immediate results are required.
"I'm confident that Xabi possesses exceptional ability and the necessary qualities to manage Madrid. He understands what this club represents. He anticipated these challenges. Patience and composure are essential, though that's challenging at Madrid."
Kroos Forecasts Promising Real Madrid Path for Endrick
Alonso's extended Bernabéu prospects will remain headline news in coming weeks and months, though one issue he won't need to address immediately is Endrick's limited playing opportunities.
The promising Brazilian received minimal first-team action under Alonso, experiencing similar restrictions during Ancelotti's concluding campaign. However, Kroos believes Endrick's recent loan transfer to French side Lyon represents an ideal development—the German drawing from his own Bayern Munich experience when explaining the teenager's potential success.
"Playing time is crucial for Endrick, and without sufficient opportunities at Madrid, a loan move to gain experience elsewhere is optimal," he stated.
"I had identical thoughts at 18. I was with Bayern and chose to join Leverkusen. Endrick will experience similar benefits."