Xabi Alonso is no longer the head coach of Real Madrid, the club confirmed on Monday, and reports are now shedding light on the reasons behind his departure.
Although the separation was officially described as a mutual decision, The Athletic reports that Alonso’s exit was driven by internal tensions with several of the team’s most important players—Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham—who were reportedly unhappy with his tactical approach and leadership style.
Alonso initially enjoyed a strong start at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning 17 of his first 20 matches in charge. However, results deteriorated in recent months, and behind the scenes, cracks began to appear.
Conflict With Vinícius Júnior
According to the report, problems first surfaced during a match against Barcelona in October 2025. Despite Real Madrid winning the game, Alonso clashed with Vinícius Júnior after substituting him. The Brazilian forward was visibly frustrated, refusing to shake the coach’s hand as he left the pitch.
With no disciplinary action taken by the club, Alonso reportedly felt undermined and believed he was losing authority in the dressing room, as well as support from the board.
Issues With Bellingham and Valverde
Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were also said to be dissatisfied with Alonso’s leadership and tactical decisions.
After a sensational debut season in 2023/24 and a key role the following year, Bellingham struggled for form this season. Under Alonso, he was no longer an undisputed starter in midfield—a status he had firmly held under Carlo Ancelotti.
Valverde, meanwhile, was frequently deployed in different positions due to his versatility. While this highlighted his adaptability, it also kept him away from his preferred role in central midfield, contributing to his frustration.
A Breakdown Behind the Scenes
These unresolved tensions, combined with inconsistent performances on the pitch, ultimately led to Alonso’s dismissal. While his tenure began with promise and a clear footballing vision, internal disagreements with key figures in the squad proved decisive in bringing his time at Real Madrid to an end.
