Real Madrid Players Turn Against Each Other as Locker Room Unity Crumbles Following Shocking Defeat

Although Xabi Alonso's coaching role isn't under immediate threat, Real Madrid's leadership is reportedly "worried" about a perceived "gap" between the manager's tactical directions and his players' execution on the field.

Madrid's almost flawless season opener under Alonso has hit an unusual rough patch. Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield five days prior, Real were restricted to a scoreless stalemate against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. This marks the first occasion since May 2023 that Madrid have gone without finding the net in back-to-back fixtures, with the manner of both displays raising some concerns.

Alonso's team registered more attempts than Rayo, yet the caliber of those opportunities was poor. A Liverpool squad currently languishing in eighth position in the Premier League granted Madrid even fewer glimpses at goal.

After opening the season with 13 victories from 14 possible matches, this significant downturn has surprised the organization. The worry among Madrid officials centers on the communication gap between the coaching team and the playing staff. The locker room "fails to understand" certain aspects of Alonso's tactical approach, as reported by AS.

This isn't the initial instance where the dynamic between the former Bayer Leverkusen boss and his squad has faced scrutiny. Vinicius Junior's displeasure with Alonso's squad rotation strategy is evident, while other team members are allegedly "annoyed" with the demanding tactician. The notion that Alonso "believes he's Pep Guardiola" has purportedly circulated among various Madrid players.

The international pause provides everyone an opportunity to decompress and reorganize. Madrid maintain their position atop La Liga and sit comfortably within the Champions League's top eight at the midpoint of the group stage. Alonso appears unfazed by the situation.

Alonso Too Experienced to Be Troubled By Crisis Speculation

Having spent five years as a midfielder at the club, Alonso understands intimately the exaggerated responses to every development concerning Real Madrid. His knowledge of the distinctive chaos triggered by even the slightest decline in performance was certainly considered during his summer appointment.

Alonso quickly moved to silence the "crisis" alarm that rang following Sunday's goalless encounter with Rayo Vallecano. "This is Madrid and we understand our position," he stated calmly. "It's only November, there's plenty of time remaining."

Over-reliance On Kylian Mbappe Presents Greater Worry

Instead of wounded pride and confused tactical messages, Real Madrid might need to address their increasing dependence on Kylian Mbappé. The previous season's top scorer began this campaign in even more impressive fashion, netting 18 goals in the opening 14 matches.

Nevertheless, Madrid's second-leading scorer is Vinicius Junior with five goals, while no other squad member has managed more than three. Mbappé serves not only as the team's primary goalscorer but also leads in chance creation among his teammates. An overwhelming 40% of Real Madrid's total shot attempts this season have been either taken or set up by the French forward.

When Mbappé has been effectively contained, Real Madrid have found themselves in difficulty. Rayo restricted the club's number 10 to merely one attempt and 26 ball contacts, the lowest among Sunday's starting eleven. Mbappé managed only three touches within Rayo's penalty area, matching center-back Éder Militão who entered the game at halftime.