Real Madrid is engulfed in a toxic internal conflict, with manager Xabi Alonso facing a growing player revolt during his first few months in charge at the Bernabéu.
A Dressing Room Divided
According to reports from Spain, the Real Madrid squad is sharply split into opposing camps regarding their new head coach. High-profile players are at odds, with a significant faction actively opposing the former Bayer Leverkusen boss. This internal strife comes despite the team currently sitting top of LaLiga, one point ahead of rivals Barcelona.
The tension is manifesting on the pitch. The Spanish giants recorded their third consecutive match without a win after a 2-2 draw against Elche on Sunday evening. Real Madrid have failed to secure a victory, home or away, since the start of a month riddled with leaks about player dissatisfaction.
The Root of the Discontent
The core issues appear to be Alonso's hands-on management style and his tactical demands. His approach is a stark contrast to the methods of previous successful Madrid managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. Alonso has implemented strict rules aimed at eradicating 'bad habits' and insists that players must fight for their starting positions in every single training session.
As per Mundo Deportivo, the list of players resistant to Alonso's regime includes Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy. Valverde has been frequently played out of position, at times filling in at right-back, while Diaz and Rodrygo have found themselves used selectively, often from the bench. The Brazilian teenager Endrick has featured in just one fixture this entire season.
Vinicius Jr: The Most Vocal Critic
The most notable detractor is Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr. His frustration became public last month during El Clásico, where he was seen angrily shouting 'I'm going to leave this team' as he stormed off the pitch after being substituted, pointedly ignoring his manager.
This was followed by a public apology on social media that conspicuously failed to mention Alonso by name. The strained relationship is believed to have begun during this summer's Club World Cup, when Vinicius was forced to play on the right wing in a heavy 4-0 defeat.
The conflict now threatens his long-term future at the club. Reports this week indicate that Vinicius Jr is not considering extending his current contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, under the present circumstances. While Madrid had offered an extension worth around €20m (£17.6m) net per season, his representatives requested a package closer to €30m (£26.4m).
Support for the Manager
Despite the significant opposition, Alonso is not without his allies within the squad. A number of senior figures and new signings are said to be loyal to the manager. This group reportedly includes summer arrivals Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, young Turkish talent Arda Guler, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and the influential Kylian Mbappe, who is thought to remain sympathetic to Alonso's project.
All eyes are now on Real Madrid's next match. The team travels to face Olympiacos on Wednesday evening, presenting a crucial opportunity to escape their poor league form and get back to winning ways, potentially easing the immense pressure on their embattled manager.
