The Inside Story
The Unfolding of a Calamity: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Tenure
The news reverberated around the footballing world with the force of a misplaced Toni Kroos pass: Xabi Alonso, the midfield maestro turned managerial prodigy, had been sacked by Real Madrid. Just seven months. Seven months to realize a lifelong dream, seven months to implement a vision, seven months to be deemed insufficient by the demanding standards of the Santiago Bernabéu. As a manager myself, albeit one who operates at a slightly less stratospheric level, the news both shocked and intrigued me. What went wrong? How could a club of Real Madrid’s stature, known for its (relative) patience with managers compared to some of its European counterparts, pull the plug so swiftly on a figure lauded as the future of Spanish football?
The Initial Spark: Hope and Expectations
Alonso’s appointment in June 2025 was met with considerable optimism. Having cut his teeth at Real Sociedad B and then Bayer Leverkusen (where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround), he was seen as a modern, tactically astute coach capable of injecting fresh ideas into a squad that, while still brimming with talent, had shown signs of stagnation under his predecessor. The allure of a former player returning to the club, understanding its unique DNA, and potentially ushering in a new era was irresistible to Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid faithful. The initial press conferences were filled with talk of possession-based football, pressing triggers, and a renewed emphasis on youth development. Alonso spoke eloquently about his desire to build a team that was both dominant and entertaining, a team that embodied the values of Real Madrid. The signing of promising young midfielder, Enzo Fernandez (no relation to the Chelsea player), from River Plate for a hefty fee further fueled the excitement. It seemed like a new dawn was breaking over the Spanish capital.
Tactical Mismatch: Possession Without Penetration
However, the early promise quickly faded. Alonso’s tactical blueprint, while theoretically sound, struggled to translate onto the pitch. His preferred 4-3-3 formation, designed to control possession and dictate the tempo of games, often resulted in sterile dominance. Real Madrid would hog the ball, stringing together countless passes in their own half, but struggled to break down well-organized defenses. The attacking trident, comprised of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and the aging Karim Benzema (who, let’s be honest, was showing his age), lacked the fluidity and dynamism required to consistently unlock opposition backlines. Vinicius’s individual brilliance remained a potent weapon, but too often he was isolated and lacked support. Rodrygo, while a talented player, struggled to find a consistent role in the team, often drifting in and out of games. And Benzema, while still capable of moments of magic, lacked the pace and stamina to lead the line effectively for 90 minutes week after week.
The midfield, anchored by Kroos, Modric (also showing their age), and the new signing Fernandez, also struggled to impose itself. Kroos’s passing accuracy remained exceptional, but his lack of mobility was increasingly exposed against younger, more energetic opponents. Modric, while still capable of flashes of brilliance, was no longer the dominant force he once was. And Fernandez, despite his obvious talent, struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of La Liga. Alonso’s attempts to implement a high-pressing system were also largely unsuccessful. The team lacked the collective discipline and coordination required to win the ball back high up the pitch, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks. The defensive line, marshalled by Eder Militao and David Alaba, was often exposed, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to make a series of crucial saves to prevent the team from falling further behind.
Player Dis A Fractured Dressing Room
Tactical shortcomings were only part of the problem. Reports began to emerge of discontent within the dressing room. Senior players, accustomed to the more pragmatic approach of previous managers, reportedly bristled at Alonso’s insistence on possession-based football, arguing that it was too slow and predictable. There were also rumors of clashes between Alonso and some of the younger players, who felt that they were not being given enough opportunities to prove themselves. The arrival of Enzo Fernandez also created friction, with some players feeling that he was being favored over more established members of the squad. As a manager, I understand the delicate balance required to manage egos and maintain harmony within a team. It’s clear that Alonso struggled to navigate the complex personalities and power dynamics within the Real Madrid dressing room.
The Perez Factor: Unrealistic Expectations and Impatience
Of course, no discussion of a Real Madrid managerial sacking would be complete without mentioning Florentino Perez. The Real Madrid president is notorious for his impatience and his demanding expectations. He expects instant success and is not afraid to wield the axe if results do not meet his lofty standards. Alonso, despite his pedigree and potential, was ultimately unable to deliver the immediate results that Perez craved. A string of disappointing results, including a humiliating defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico and an early exit from the Copa del Rey, sealed his fate. Perez, reportedly, lost faith in Alonso’s ability to turn things around and decided to make a change. The decision was swift and ruthless, a stark reminder of the pressures and expectations that come with managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Shadow of Zidane and Raul: The Weight of History
Alonso also faced the burden of history. The successes of Zinedine Zidane, a club legend who delivered three Champions League titles in a row, cast a long shadow over his tenure. Every manager who follows in Zidane’s footsteps is inevitably compared to him, and Alonso was no exception. The constant comparisons, coupled with the pressure to replicate Zidane’s success, undoubtedly added to the pressure he was under. The presence of Raul Gonzalez, another club legend who was managing Real Madrid Castilla (the club’s reserve team), also loomed large. Many saw Raul as the natural successor to the Real Madrid throne, and his continued success with Castilla only intensified the pressure on Alonso. The narrative of the club legend waiting in the wings, ready to step up and take over, was a constant distraction.
Lessons Learned: A Cautionary Tale
Xabi Alonso’s short-lived tenure at Real Madrid serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring managers. It highlights the importance of not only tactical acumen but also man-management skills, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure. Alonso’s failure was not solely down to his tactical shortcomings. It was a combination of factors, including player discontent, unrealistic expectations, and the weight of history. He underestimated the unique challenges of managing a club of Real Madrid’s stature, a club where winning is not just expected, it is demanded. As a manager, I am constantly learning and adapting, and Alonso’s experience provides valuable lessons for all of us. It reminds us that success in football is not just about having a brilliant tactical plan. It’s about building relationships, managing expectations, and creating a winning culture. And sometimes, even that is not enough.
The Future: What Next for Alonso and Real Madrid?
The question now is, what next for both Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid? Alonso, despite this setback, remains a highly sought-after manager. His reputation as a tactical innovator and his experience at some of the biggest clubs in the world will undoubtedly attract interest from other top teams. He will likely take some time to reflect on his experience at Real Madrid, learn from his mistakes, and come back stronger. As for Real Madrid, they have appointed an interim manager (Santiago Solari, again!), while they search for a permanent replacement. The usual suspects are being mentioned: Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, and even a potential return for Jose Mourinho. Whoever takes over will face the same pressures and expectations that ultimately led to Alonso’s downfall. The Real Madrid job is one of the most prestigious and challenging in the world, and only the very best can survive in the long term.
FAQ
Why was Xabi Alonso sacked so quickly?
Xabi Alonso’s sacking after just seven months was due to a combination of factors, including poor results, tactical mismatches, player discontent, and the high expectations of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. The team struggled to implement Alonso’s tactical vision, leading to disappointing performances and ultimately costing him his job.
Did Xabi Alonso lose the dressing room?
Reports suggest that there was indeed some player discontent during Alonso’s tenure. Some senior players reportedly disagreed with his tactical approach, while some younger players felt they weren’t getting enough opportunities. This division within the dressing room likely contributed to his downfall.
What tactics did Xabi Alonso try to implement at Real Madrid?
Alonso primarily tried to implement a possession-based 4-3-3 formation with an emphasis on high pressing. However, the team struggled to execute this effectively, often resulting in sterile possession and vulnerability to counter-attacks.
Who is likely to replace Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager?
As of January 2026, potential replacements being discussed include Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, and possibly even a return for Jose Mourinho. The club has appointed an interim manager while they search for a permanent solution.
Will this setback damage Xabi Alonso’s managerial career?
While a sacking from Real Madrid is undoubtedly a setback, it’s unlikely to derail Alonso’s career. He remains a highly respected figure in the footballing world, and his experience at Real Madrid, however brief, will provide valuable lessons for the future. He is likely to attract interest from other top clubs.
