Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is confronting significant dressing room discontent with five key players reportedly unhappy with his tactical approach, despite the Spanish giants currently leading La Liga.
The Unhappy Stars
Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Jr, and English prodigy Jude Bellingham are among the prominent names said to be at odds with their new manager. The tensions have been brewing throughout Alonso's initial months at the Bernabéu, even as the team secured a challenging victory in the season's first Clásico against FC Barcelona.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the three players have particular issues with Alonso's tactical preferences, especially his insistence on playing the ball out from the back. Vinicius Jr has shown visible frustration with his manager on multiple occasions this season, most recently confronting Alonso after being substituted during the match against Barcelona.
Growing Discontent in the Dressing Room
The discontent extends beyond the star trio, with midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde also reportedly unhappy about their roles in Alonso's preferred starting eleven. Valverde has recently been deployed at right-back instead of his natural midfield position, covering for the injured Dani Carvajal.
The situation reveals a stark contrast to the approaches of previous managers Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, whose more relaxed methods won multiple Champions League titles and the hearts of the dressing room. Some players apparently prefer their former managers' styles over Alonso's detailed tactical plans and video analysis sessions.
Performance Concerns and International Implications
Despite only suffering one defeat this season - against Liverpool in European competition - and recording their first goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, questions are emerging about the team's readiness for top-level European competition.
Spanish sports newspaper As suggested that Real Madrid's performance at Anfield demonstrated the team wasn't prepared to compete in Europe, a concern that Arsenal later confirmed months afterwards. The publication noted that while the style has changed under Alonso, the effectiveness hasn't necessarily followed.
Bellingham's dissatisfaction with Alonso's system comes as the English midfielder earns a recall to Thomas Tuchel's national team squad after months of exclusion due to team spirit concerns. Tuchel praised Bellingham's reaction to previous omissions, stating the young player had shown an incredible response in terms of performance and that the national team wants to provide him with a stable environment.
The growing tensions present a significant challenge for Alonso, who joined the club where he once played as a professional this summer but has yet to win over the dressing room in the manner of his celebrated predecessors.
