The Rise and Fall of Xabi Alonso: A Look at Real Madrid's Changing Dynamics
Discover the impact of Xabi Alonso's coaching style on key players at Real Madrid as we delve into their challenges and the aftermath of his departure.
A number of players will be happy to see the back of the former Bayer Leverkusen coach after an unsuccessful spell at the Santiago BernabeuAs reported by The Athletic, Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham faced challenges with Xabi Alonso's tactical approach and coaching style and this has been cited as a contributing factor to Alonso's departure from Real Madrid.On Monday, Real Madrid made the announcement that Xabi Alonso was no longer serving as the head coach, although reports suggest that the Spaniard left the club on amicable terms.Alonso initially achieved victory in 17 out of 20 matches with Los Blancos, but the team's results have declined in recent times.The Athletic reports that the issues began to surface during the October 2025 match against FC Barcelona. Despite securing a win, Alonso had a disagreement with Vinicius after substituting him. Vinicius was displeased with the substitution and chose not to shake Alonso's hand. The club did not take disciplinary action against him, which led Alonso to feel that he had lost control and was being undermined by the management.The report also highlights that Valverde and Bellingham experienced difficulties with Alonso's management style and tactical decisions.Bellingham enjoyed a stellar first season at Madrid in 2023-24 and also was a key figure last term, but he has struggled to find his best form this campaign, with the England international seemingly no longer the undisputed started in midfield that he was under Carlo Ancelotti.Valverde, meanwhile, found himself in different positions over the course of the season as his versatility often saw him miss out on a spot in midfield, the Uruguay star's preferred position.
Challenges Faced by Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham
Xabi Alonso's arrival at Real Madrid brought about a shift in dynamics, particularly for Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. Reports suggest that the trio struggled with Alonso's tactical approach and coaching style, leading to significant friction within the squad.
Alonso's Initial Success and Subsequent Decline
Initially, Xabi Alonso enjoyed success on the pitch, winning 17 out of 20 matches with Real Madrid. However, cracks began to show during key encounters, such as the match against FC Barcelona in October 2025, where disagreements and tensions arose between the coach and players.
The Fallout and Reshuffling of Roles
Vinícius' public display of displeasure, Valverde's positional struggles, and Bellingham's dip in form all point towards a breakdown in player-coach relationships under Alonso's reign. These issues ultimately contributed to his departure from the club, signaling a need for restructuring and rebuilding within the team.


