Three Real Madrid Stars Reject Xabi Alonso's Vision in Shocking Snub
Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were reportedly part of a faction of players who remained "skeptical" of Xabi Alonso's methods—whether tactical or personal—during his tenure at Real Madrid.
Managing Real Madrid comes with distinctive challenges, though Alonso appeared to meet many of the criteria. He was a decorated former player who understood the institution and had previously achieved success there, giving him intimate knowledge of what awaited him when he succeeded Carlo Ancelotti last summer.
Alonso had also established his managerial credentials. Following careful development in Real Sociedad's academy system, he transformed Bayer Leverkusen from relegation candidates into undefeated Bundesliga champions, also claiming the German Cup and reaching the Europa League final. The experienced 44-year-old even stayed in Germany, allegedly rejecting Liverpool's advances, to experience Champions League management firsthand.
However, all that groundwork couldn't prepare him for the obstacles presented by the club's locker room dynamics.
Friction seemed to intensify precisely when performances were at their peak. Madrid established a five-point advantage over Barcelona following a Clásico triumph in late October, but the significant moment from that victory was Vinicius Jr's angry reaction to being substituted. The Brazilian is identified by The Athletic as among at least three players who rejected Alonso's "tactical philosophy and personal demeanor."
Bellingham was reportedly included in this group alongside vice captain Valverde, who openly expressed displeasure at being deployed as a right-back. Bellingham later defended the manager publicly, praising him as "an exceptional coach" who "possesses very clear concepts about attacking and defending."
The rebellion wasn't universal. The report identifies Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler—three key players who frequently received praise from the coach—as backing Alonso. Notably, the rarely-seen Dani Ceballos and reserve center-back Raúl Asencio are also mentioned as having empathy for the manager.
Ultimately, the club's leadership seemed to align with Vinicius Jr's faction by choosing not to punish the player for his public Clásico display. However, the verbal confrontation wasn't one-sided.
Alonso's 'Scathing' Outburst at Real Madrid Squad
Alonso's 'Harsh' Criticism of Real Madrid Squad
A lot of managers don't get time at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso was one of them. pic.twitter.com/IqsdFc0qi5
"I didn't realize I was coming to manage a kindergarten!" Alonso reportedly yelled at his players during a November training session, according to MARCA. This is characterized as an "expression of exasperation" when confronted with a "petulant" squad that showed a "negative approach" toward the manager's tactical work.
During this period, stories emerged suggesting that Vinicius Jr was declining to extend his contract while Alonso remained at the helm. The Brazilian striker wasn't believed to be the only one harboring frustration with the new coach, who was criticized by some as "aloof and inaccessible." Multiple players reportedly reached the harsh verdict that: "He believes he's Pep Guardiola."
These conflicts are believed to have affected Alonso, whose training ground explosion is described as a pivotal moment in his relationship with the team, creating a "rift that never mended."
Bellingham notably characterized Madrid's approach under Ancelotti during their most recent Champions League triumph in 2023 as "spontaneous." Alonso imposed much more rigid tactical requirements, which were communicated in a manner that irritated a squad accustomed to a more relaxed approach.
It's alleged that the "uncertainty and dissatisfaction" within the team reached the boardroom, who decided to end Alonso's supervision.
Alonso 'Blames' Sacking on Real Madrid's Galácticos
Alonso 'Attributes' Dismissal to Real Madrid's Star System
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after seven months in charge. Gone. pic.twitter.com/iGfFK38WnX
Real Madrid's concise statement announcing Alonso's departure called it a "mutual decision." Nevertheless, The Athletic reports that various sources maintain that the former midfielder was "dismissed"—which completely surprised him.
All the information emerging from the club immediately following a competitive loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final suggested that Madrid would grant Alonso a reprieve. If Raúl Asencio or Álvaro Carreras had managed to direct two penalty area attempts away from Joan García rather than straight at him, Alonso's team might have forced overtime and potentially defeated their bitter rivals.
Madrid's general director José Ángel Sánchez evidently held a different opinion, summoning Alonso to the training facility on Monday to notify him of his termination. The stunned coach deemed the decision "incorrect and unjust," immediately directing his anger toward the "Galáctico power structure at the Bernabéu."