Graham Hunter
Currently, Real Madrid leads La Liga and sits comfortably in the UEFA Champions League’s top eight as they prepare to face Olympiakos midweek. Consequently, manager Xabi Alonso isn’t in immediate danger of losing his job.
However, it’s important to remember that this club is one of the most politically charged and unforgiving environments in football, and Alonso is well aware of this reality.
There’s no imminent threat of unemployment, but tensions are rising—there’s a sense that discontent is brewing within the club.
During the recent 2-2 draw against newly promoted Elche, Madrid struggled, finding themselves at a disadvantage on two occasions before salvaging a late equalizer from Jude Bellingham, a goal that should’ve been disallowed due to a foul on Elche’s keeper by Vinicius Junior. This sparked outrage among many Madrid fans and media pundits.
The frustration stems from a run of three games without victory (including losses to Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano), a lack of convincing performances, and the looming presence of Barcelona, who are gaining on Madrid.
Critics argue that Alonso is a volatile factor in a situation that many observers describe as overly optimistic. The manager, who recently turned 44, rightly asserts that the team is a “work in progress” and that there were “some positives,” especially noting that the team fought to avoid defeat.
Yet, the fighting spirit he referenced pales in significance because there’s not much to celebrate lately.
Beyond the three lackluster results, Alonso should be worried about the media’s perception of him ahead of Wednesday’s crucial match in Athens. Critics echo common concerns that he’s losing touch with his players or failing to effectively communicate his tactical intentions.
For instance, Tomás Roncero, a notable writer for the sports newspaper Diario AS, known for his strong support for Real Madrid, expressed mixed feelings about Alonso’s connection with the players. He rated his concern a four out of ten, highlighting a worrying lack of energy and cohesion on the pitch.
Roncero hopes Alonso can reestablish a rapport with the team but believes that unless performances improve, that rating would shoot up to a 9.5 following another unsatisfactory outcome.
If you’re not plugged into the Madrid media scene or don’t speak Spanish, the current sentiment is harsh but not unfriendly. Headline after headline in Marca, Spain’s leading publication, echoes sentiments like “Madrid is struggling!” and “They’ve forgotten how to win!”, with one asserting that Alonso is “losing control.”
A key concern is the relationship between Vinicius Junior and Alonso. After getting sent off against Barcelona, Vinicius reportedly fumed, claiming, “This is why I’m leaving the club.”
Recently, a tabloid feature emphasized the urgency of renewing Vinicius’ contract, clearly signaling to Alonso the expectations he must meet. With Vinicius having played considerably less than anticipated, questions arose about Alonso’s decision to bench him during the Elche match.
Alonso certainly has his reasons for his tactical choices, believing in a broader strategy, yet leaving Vinicius on the bench could be interpreted as an act of defiance—one that not many would overlook, particularly if the team keeps faltering.
Media chatter about “miscommunication,” “distrust,” and “disconnection” between Alonso and certain players is widespread, implying a coordinated narrative coming from club insiders. It’s unlikely so many commentators would express such views without some level of encouragement from within.
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Can Real Madrid really replace Xabi Alonso this season?
LaLiga and Real Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland provides an update on the growing tension between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Junior in the Real Madrid dressing room.
As Madrid gears up to face Spanish coach Jose Luis Mendilibar—who previously earned a point in the Greek capital—finding stability is essential. The team has still not fully recovered from subpar pre-seasons over the last two years, and Alonso’s initial hype from his time at Bayer Leverkusen is now at risk of fading.
Recently, Alonso stated that even if he has a clear vision of how he wants his team to perform, effective communication and convincing the players are key. Feedback from his former Spain teammates highlights that despite criticisms, Alonso has shown tactical flexibility and possesses a rich strategic repertoire.
One issue may be Alonso’s detached relationship with the media; his straightforwardness in both playing and coaching contexts may leave him without a supportive network, which could prove detrimental.
Real Madrid has hired more than ten managers under president Florentino Pérez, with many lasting mere months. While Alonso faces scrutiny, the idea of his position being truly threatened seems unlikely for the time being.
At this moment, what could benefit Alonso and his team the most is a return to winning ways, as they look for their first victory against Olympiakos.
Fan Take: This situation is pivotal for soccer fans, as it highlights the intense pressure and scrutiny managers face in elite football environments. Alonso’s potential struggles could reshape the dynamics of La Liga, underscoring the notion that even winning clubs are not immune to crises.
