Modric was Alonso's mistake.

Real Madrid's decision not to keep Luka Modric for another season is not just a personnel issue, but also has far-reaching repercussions in the dressing room, contributing to Xabi Alonso's isolation.

Modric is still playing well at the age of 40.

Following Xabi Alonso's dismissal, the pieces of the internal rift at Real Madrid gradually emerged. One of the most significant starting points was the decision to let Luka Modric leave. At 40 years old, the Croatian midfielder continues to play at the highest level for AC Milan.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, as reported on DAZN, many Real Madrid players were unhappy that coach Xabi Alonso made no effort to keep Modric for another season. Although this was the club's decision, the coaching staff's firm stance was seen as a cold signal to an icon of the dressing room.

Modric had a formal farewell at the Bernabeu. However, he still represented Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, which led many players to believe that the midfielder was still capable of contributing.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Modric wants to continue with the club "for another season with a different type of contract." Instead, Xabi Alonso and the club's management have agreed to pursue a youth development program for the squad.

That decision had immediate repercussions. A section of the players felt the coach was not protecting the team's core values. Fabrizio Romano clearly stated: "This did not please part of the dressing room, and Xabi Alonso did not get off to a good start with the players." From the summer onwards, a gap formed between him and the starting lineup.

After the FIFA Club World Cup and a heavy defeat in the semi-finals against PSG, Real Madrid returned to competition with decent results. However, the sense of unity within the team was absent.

Over time, disagreements continued to arise with key players like Bellingham, Valverde, and Vinicius. The defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final became the final straw. And President Florentino Perez decided to sack Xabi Alonso shortly afterwards.

In the bigger picture, letting Modric go wasn't the sole reason. But clearly, it was a symbolic decision, with serious psychological repercussions and contributing to shaking the foundations of Real Madrid's dressing room.

Source: https://znews.vn/modric-la-sai-lam-cua-alonso-post1619442.html