Real Madrid Players Split on Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid players are currently divided regarding coach Xabi Alonso, who has struggled to win over the entire squad this season. Regardless of their position in LaLiga and the Champions League, concerns about Alonso’s leadership have become apparent. His appointment was hailed as a significant “homecoming” after the departure of former coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso’s Coaching Tenure and Challenges
Xabi Alonso, a former Spanish international, showcased tremendous success as a player from 2009 to 2014. Following his impressive tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved unprecedented success, Alonso took over the Real Madrid squad amid a transition phase. Yet, despite starting the season with 13 wins in 14 matches, the situation has notably worsened recently.
Recent Struggles
- Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League.
- The team has recorded three consecutive draws in LaLiga.
- They now trail Barcelona in the league standings.
Player dissatisfaction is reportedly rooted in earlier uncertainties. Various team members are skeptical of the methods employed by the 44-year-old coach. Some, however, argue that Alonso is not the root cause of the team’s malaise.
Team Dynamics and Tensions
Reports indicate persistent tensions within the squad, as Alonso’s messages seem not to resonate with players. This disconnect has tangible negative effects on team performance. Additionally, conflicts among players may impact overall chemistry. For instance, integrating stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham has proven challenging. While Ancelotti’s era saw the duo of Vinicius and Bellingham flourish, Mbappé’s arrival necessitated significant adjustments.
- Vinicius and Bellingham achieved a Champions League and La Liga double under Ancelotti.
- However, current performances have significantly declined with Mbappé’s integration.
Injury Troubles and Their Impact
The situation has been exacerbated by injuries. Key players such as Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal have missed matches, leading to a concerning defensive record, with seven goals conceded in the last five games. This deterioration further complicates the team’s chemistry.
The Galácticos Era: A Recurring Challenge
Real Madrid is witnessing a potential resurgence of its “Galácticos” era with high-profile recruits like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Trent Alexander-Arnold joining the squad. This is the third such phase under president Florentino Pérez, who has overseen multiple star-studded teams since 2000.
- Historically, this approach has seen mixed results.
- The sale of Claude Makélélé in 2003 is often cited as a pivotal misstep that disrupted team balance.
- While star signings have been impressive, they have not guaranteed success as expected.
As the club grapples with strategic player integration and coaching dynamics, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Xabi Alonso and his squad. The future of Real Madrid’s season hangs in the balance as they strive to find effective solutions to their ongoing challenges.
