Real Madrid's new manager, Xabi Alonso, has moved decisively to quash mounting speculation about internal unrest within his squad, delivering a strong defence of the team's unity following a challenging period.
Addressing the Rumours Head-On
Appointed in the summer to lead the club where he once lifted the Champions League as a player, Alonso has faced media narratives suggesting a fractured dressing room and disagreements over his tactical approach. This talk intensified after a recent run of three matches without a victory, including a defeat at Liverpool's Anfield and domestic draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.
The Spaniard, however, has poured cold water on these claims. He stated unequivocally, "I've always felt that the team is united, and that we all know what the objective is: to reach the end [of the season] with a chance to win everything." He emphasised the collective spirit, adding, "We're together in the good times, and the not-so-good times. We have a good connection on a daily basis. Despite all the rumours and what some might say, we're very solid internally."
Player Backing and On-Pitch Response
The rumours of division were partly fuelled by an incident involving Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr, who reacted angrily to being substituted. Despite this, Alonso appears to have the backing of key figures in the team. Global superstar Kylian Mbappe publicly declared that it was the responsibility of the players to "protect" their new coach.
Furthermore, England international Jude Bellingham is also understood to be among those fully supporting Alonso's methods, which are reported to be more tactically demanding than those of his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. The team offered a direct response to the speculation on the pitch, ending their winless streak with a dramatic 4-3 victory away to Olympiacos in Greece.
A Work in Progress
While pleased with the overall unity, Alonso acknowledges that his team is still developing. He pointed to specific areas needing improvement, particularly a defensive vulnerability that has seen them concede goals in recent outings. "We've had some good spells," he admitted. "We need that dominance, control, continuity, and consistency. We've been improving, especially defensively. I'm not happy about some things, especially the goals we've conceded in the last few matches. We're still a work in progress."
The immediate challenge is a crucial La Liga clash away to Girona, a match for which Alonso confirmed the welcome return of central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao to the squad. The result carries added significance after Barcelona moved to the top of the table, increasing the pressure on Los Blancos to deliver a strong performance and keep pace in the title race.
