Real Madrid is experiencing significant internal turmoil as manager Xabi Alonso faces growing opposition from several key players within his squad, despite the team currently sitting top of La Liga.
Divided Dressing Room
The Spanish giants find themselves in a civil war situation with the dressing room split between those supporting the former Liverpool and Madrid midfielder and those who want him out of the Bernabéu. This division comes despite Real Madrid holding a one-point advantage over FC Barcelona in the league standings.
The team's recent form has raised concerns, having failed to secure a victory in their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw against Elche on Sunday evening. Real Madrid haven't won either home or away since the beginning of the month, coinciding with numerous reports about player dissatisfaction with Alonso's training methods and tactical approach.
Training Ground Tensions
Alonso is understood to employ a more practical approach compared to his successful predecessors Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. His methods include strict rules designed to eliminate what he considers 'bad habits' and the philosophy that players must fight for their starting positions in every training session.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, several high-profile players have reacted negatively to Alonso's arrival in the Spanish capital. The list of dissenters includes Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo, Endrick and Ferland Mendy.
The situation has created particular complications for some players. Valverde has frequently been played out of position under the new manager, sometimes filling in at right-back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Meanwhile, Brahim and Rodrygo have found themselves used selectively and largely from the bench.
Vinicius Jr Leads Opposition
Brazilian international Vinicius Jr has emerged as Alonso's most notable critic. The forward made his feelings clear when substituted during El Clásico last month, angrily shouting 'I'm leaving this team' as he left the pitch without acknowledging his manager.
Vinicius repeated this behaviour when offering a public apology but failing to mention Alonso in his social media message. This week, it emerged that Vinicius Jr is not considering extending his current contract, which runs until summer 2027, under the present circumstances.
The root of the tension between the two men reportedly dates back to this summer's Club World Cup, when Vinicius was forced to play on the right wing during the team's 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain due to Alexander-Arnold's injury.
Vinicius Jr currently earns approximately €18 million (£15.8 million) net per year under the contract he signed in 2022, which includes a €1 billion release clause. Madrid apparently offered him an extension worth around €20 million net per season earlier this year, but his representatives requested a package closer to €30 million (£26.4 million) per season including salary, bonuses and a renewal fee previously not offered by the club.
The Brazilian maintains a close relationship with club president Florentino Pérez and is believed to have discussed his position on the extension with him in October.
Alonso Retains Supporters
Despite the growing opposition, Alonso maintains loyal supporters within the club, including several senior figures. Among his backers are summer signings Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, young Turkish talent Arda Guler, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and notably Kylian Mbappé, who continues to sympathise with the manager.
Real Madrid have an opportunity to escape their poor league form and return to winning ways on Wednesday evening when the Spanish club travels to face Olympiacos, aiming to strengthen their position in the automatic qualification spots.
