Growing discontent is reportedly spreading through the Real Madrid dressing room as head coach Xabi Alonso faces mounting criticism from several of his star players, despite the team's strong position at the top of LaLiga.
Key Players Voice Displeasure with New Manager
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, five prominent Real Madrid players are experiencing difficulties with Alonso's management style and tactical approach. The discontented stars include Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Junior, and England's Jude Bellingham, alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde.
The issues appear centred on Alonso's tactical philosophy, particularly his insistence on playing the ball out from the back. This approach has caused visible frustration among players who previously thrived under the more relaxed management styles of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
Training Ground Tensions and Positional Concerns
Alonso's methods extend beyond matchday tactics, with Daily Mail Sport reporting that the coach believes he has inherited a squad with numerous bad habits that need addressing. The former Bayer Leverkusen manager has implemented rigorous training sessions featuring video analysis, drone footage, and detailed tactical plans to improve focus.
However, this intensive approach has reportedly caused friction with players who preferred the methods of previous coaches, both of whom delivered multiple Champions League titles with less structured regimes.
Positional concerns have also contributed to the unrest. Both Camavinga and Valverde have struggled to secure regular starting positions in their preferred roles, with Valverde recently deployed at right back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Public Incidents and European Concerns
The tension has occasionally spilled into public view, most notably when Vinicius Junior clashed with Alonso after being substituted during the recent El Clasico. Although the Brazilian issued an apology to teammates and club officials for his conduct, he notably excluded Alonso from his public statement.
Despite Real Madrid suffering only one defeat this season - against Liverpool in European competition - concerns about the team's readiness for continental challenges persist. A recent goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano and questions raised after the Liverpool match have highlighted potential issues with the team's development under Alonso.
Spanish media analysis suggests that while Alonso has changed Real Madrid's style of play, the effectiveness hasn't necessarily improved, particularly regarding player attitude and movement without the ball.
The situation emerges as Jude Bellingham receives a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, who praised the midfielder's reaction to previous exclusions. Tuchel emphasised providing a stable environment for the young player, contrasting with the reported instability at club level.
