The sacking of Xabi Alonso has pulled back the curtain on a deeply fractured Real Madrid dressing room, where tactical demands clashed with the egos of the world’s most expensive stars.
According to a detailed report from The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai, Alonso’s tenure wasn’t just ended by results on the pitch, but by a “civil war” behind the scenes. The squad was reportedly split into two distinct camps, with the club’s heavyweights leading the opposition against the Basque manager’s methods.
The “Pro-Alonso” vs. “Anti-Alonso” Factions
The division within Valdebebas was stark. While some players appreciated Alonso’s rigid tactical discipline, others felt suffocated by it:
- The Supporters: Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, and Raúl Asencio remained loyal to Alonso’s vision.
- The Opposition: Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Fede Valverde—three of the most influential figures in the squad—reportedly did not support the coach, leading to a breakdown in communication.
The “Galactico” Problem: Tactical Friction
The core of the issue lay in Alonso’s inability to balance Real Madrid’s star-studded attack. The trio of Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Bellingham struggled to find a cohesive rhythm on the field.
In a modern football era that demands high-intensity defensive recovery, Alonso’s expectations of teamwork were met with resistance. The lack of defensive commitment from the front line frustrated the manager, while the players felt the system didn’t allow their individual brilliance to shine. This tactical stalemate ultimately made Alonso’s position untenable.
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Arbeloa’s Immediate Mission: Unity
With the dressing room in disarray, Álvaro Arbeloa faces a monumental task. His debut comes this Wednesday (14th) against Albacete in the Copa del Rey.
Arbeloa’s primary goal isn’t just tactical; it’s psychological. To save Madrid’s season and pursue the Champions League and La Liga titles, he must bridge the gap between the warring factions and reintegrate Vini Jr. and Bellingham into a system where they feel valued. The eyes of the world will be on the dugout this Saturday (17th) against Levante to see if the “Heavyweights” respond to the change in leadership.
