Xabi Alonso Under Pressure as Player Friction and Morale Issues Surface at Real Madrid
The highly anticipated return of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid as head coach has hit turbulent waters early. Barely weeks into his tenure, reports from Spanish and international media suggest growing unease within the dressing room. Several first-team players are reportedly unhappy with Alonso’s tactical direction and personnel decisions, raising concerns about whether his reign could falter before it truly begins.
One of the core issues appears to be Alonso’s radical shift in tactical approach. The former midfield maestro is introducing a three-at-the-back system—something largely unfamiliar to the traditional setup at Real Madrid. Known for their attacking flair and dependable back-four formations, Madridistas are not universally sold on the change. According to sources close to the club, a number of players believe the new system “does not suit the club’s DNA,” and some are outright resistant to the idea of adapting to it. These tensions have reportedly led to a visible dip in dressing room morale.
The unrest isn’t purely tactical. Alonso has made no secret of his intention to reshape the squad. He’s already named several players who could be surplus to requirements, including Fran García, Ferland Mendy, and Jesús Vallejo. Even more significantly, veterans like Luka Modrić, Lucas Vázquez, and David Alaba are believed to be under threat—either of reduced roles or outright departure. Such a stance, while possibly necessary for long-term rejuvenation, has alienated several experienced players, some of whom are well-respected figures in the locker room.
Despite these internal frictions, there are still signs of hope. Early training sessions under Alonso were met with enthusiasm, and many players were reportedly impressed by his meticulous planning and motivational talks. Some younger squad members, eager for a fresh start, have embraced his modern, high-intensity approach. Moreover, Alonso commands respect due to his past achievements as both a player and a coach, especially following his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid’s board appears cautiously optimistic. Florentino Pérez and his leadership team believe Alonso could usher in a new era of dynamic football if he is given time and support. However, they are also monitoring the situation closely. Madrid is not a club known for patience with managers—especially those who risk losing the dressing room.
The challenge now for Alonso is twofold: deliver immediate results on the pitch and unify a squad that may be internally divided. Balancing respect for long-standing players with the ambition to modernize the team is a delicate act—one that could define his success or failure.
With the preseason underway and expectations sky-high, Alonso has little margin for error. His next steps—both tactical and interpersonal—will be crucial in determining whether he can weather the storm or become the latest high-profile manager to fall short under the intense spotlight of the Santiago Bernabéu.
