5 reasons why Alonso’s Real Madrid chapter ended in 7 months

The relationship between Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso ended after just seven months. This chapter, which began with the Club World Cup last June, ended with the Spanish Super Cup. Los Blancos lost the title to arch-rivals Barcelona on Sunday (January 11) night. Many thought that Alonso's time would increase a little more if he did not lose to Barcelona by a large margin. But there is no such thing as an 'honorable loss' in Madrid. Spanish media Marca has found 5 more reasons for Alonso's early departure.

Added pressure
Besides playing, there are also reasons off the field behind Xabi Alonso's departure. Especially with the dressing room management. Although in the end, the result is what matters. Despite good performances, the Club World Cup could not be won. High pressing was a hallmark of Alonso's football, but it mysteriously disappeared after the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid. This pressure ultimately precipitated Alonso's departure.

Lack of 'rock and roll' football
The 'rock and roll' football promised by Alonso has not been seen again. The team has often felt lackluster and powerless, and questions have also been raised about its physical preparation. The problems with the defense that Ancelotti's time in charge remain. The pressing team that was supposed to be introduced has been seen in very few matches. There were some glimpses in the La Liga match against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it was a mirage in the desert. As time went by, the team gradually became like Ancelotti's Madrid in the 2024-25 season.

Lack of coordination in midfield
It is not right to put all the blame on the coach. Alonso wanted a 'sharp brain', the club did not give him. When Zubimendi was released to Arsenal for around 60 million euros, Mastantuyono was brought in for the same amount. The departure of Luka Modric against the coach's opinion and ignoring the player's wishes left the midfield devoid of creativity. Although Chuwameni, Camavinga or Fede Valverde have many qualities, setting the rhythm of the game or organizing attacks with delicate passes is not their strength. Bellingham has that ability, but he himself is confused by playing in so many different positions.

Long-ball football in Jeddah
Real could not find a way to play in the Super Cup final. Courtois played almost 40 long balls against Atletico to avoid their pressing. But that was not possible against Barca. They played like a small team. It is not only what the result was in Madrid that is important, but how it was done. The impression of that 'small team' in Jeddah became fatal for Alonso.

Criticism of Alonso began almost from the beginning. He was accused of being too tactical and meddling in various matters. He emphasized video analysis and the board. This did not sit well with many players after being under a coach like Ancelotti. At the beginning of the season, there was a rift over Vinicius's transfer. When Vinicius was substituted in El Clasico, the Brazilian star expressed his dissatisfaction in front of 80,000 spectators at the Bernabeu and millions of viewers watching on TV. The club left the matter to the coach, not the player. The crisis did not end; the relationship between Alonso and Vinicius, which had never been smooth, worsened. The division in the dressing room also became clear.

This dilemma-divided dressing room, the lack of regular play of the youngsters (Gul, Mastantuyono); all of which ultimately confirmed the departure of Xabi Alonso.