Xabi Alonso faces the risk of losing control of the Real Madrid dressing room

Xabi Alonso faces the risk of losing control of the Real Madrid dressing room.

The Spanish coach has won 17 of his 21 games, but three recent defeats have shaken his confidence. A humiliating 4-0 defeat to PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a 5-2 derby thrashing by Atletico Madrid and a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool have left cracks in the team.

According to Spanish media, the atmosphere at the Bernabeu is tense. The conflict between Alonso and the pillars is increasingly obvious. Vinicius is a typical face. After being substituted in El Clasico, the Brazilian player angrily directed his complaints towards the coaching staff. He believes that he is not appreciated, while Kylian Mbappe is almost always given priority to start.

Those close to Vinicius claim the row could affect his contract renewal. Coach Alonso has repeatedly denied there is a problem, but sources within the team believe the relationship between the two has cooled.

Fede Valverde also publicly said he was “not born to play as a defender” before being forced to apologize. His decision to bring on Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final minutes of the match against Liverpool, where he was booed by his former team’s fans, further discontent in the dressing room. Some players commented that Alonso was too cold and distant, not understanding the psychology of players.

The Athletic quoted a source close to a veteran player: “He thinks he is Pep Guardiola, but right now he is just Xabi.” This comment clearly reflects the division forming within the Real Madrid group.

Former player Gareth Bale also warned: “At Real Madrid, the important thing is not just tactics, but how to manage people. Leading Real is not the same as Leverkusen.”

Despite the criticism, Alonso has stuck to his philosophy, focusing on overhauling the team’s style of play and discipline. But with major setbacks still occurring, confidence in the dressing room is wavering. If left unchecked, Alonso’s project could fall into crisis in his first season at the Bernabeu.

Source: https://znews.vn/xabi-alonso-doi-mat-nguy-co-mat-kiem-soat-phong-thay-do-real-madrid-post1600699.html