Xabi Alonso has reportedly parted ways with Real Madrid. Since taking over in May 2025, problems have followed for the Spaniard coach. What’s really gone wrong under his time at the club?
Very high expectations
After Ancelotti left, expectations were huge. At Real Madrid, trophies, especially in the Champions League, aren’t optional. The new coach was under instant pressure to deliver. That’s why Xabi Alonso’s appointment got mostly positive reactions.
Xabi also knows the club and its culture very well. Furthermore, he turned Bayer Leverkusen into a feared team in the Bundesliga. On paper, he seemed like the right fit for Los Blancos this season.
”Halfway through the season, Madrid had to watch Barcelona steal their top spot in La Liga. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, they’re not playing like the Madrid we know as well.”
Injury problems
Real Madrid’s inconsistent form this half-season is largely because of a storm of injuries. Star players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and recently Kylian Mbappé had to sit out. That shook the team’s rhythm since these are key players.
On top of that, Los Blancos squad also lacks depth. The bench has barely one or two players per position. Even Endrick was just loaned to Olympique Lyon until the end of the season.
Lost locker room control
According to multiple sources, Xabi has lost control of Real Madrid’s locker room since the start of the season. Players like Vinicius Jr even clashed with the 44-year-old coach when subbed off during a heated El Clasico. Furthermore, Rodrygo also reportedly lost trust in Alonso due to limited playing time.
Things hit a boiling point after Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. Alonso allegedly told his players to stay on the pitch and watch Barcelona lift the trophy. Simply because as a sign of respect, despite the tension.
But it seems the players weren’t having it. Kylian Mbappe straight-up refused to do the guard of honour and led the team back to the locker room. With tensions spilling over, it ultimately led to Xabi Alonso losing his dream job at Real Madrid.
”A lot of people think this decision was unfair since Xabi Alonso hadn’t even completed a full season at Real Madrid. But it looks like Florentino Perez and the board felt the star-studded roster weren’t matching the results. In the end, Xabi Alonso had to go, and ironically, he was replaced by someone familiar: Alvaro Arbeloa.”
So, do you think Xabi Alonso’s exit was fair or not?
