Alonso’s first four months in charge have been largely successful, with the 15-time European champions securing 10 wins, one draw, and just one loss in their league campaign. ..Continue Reading
In the Champions League, Real have claimed victory in three out of four fixtures, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last week.
Despite holding a three-point lead over Barcelona — whom they defeated 2-1 in late October — tensions appear to be simmering at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On Sunday, Real failed to secure all three points against local rivals Rayo Vallecano, playing out a goalless draw in Vallecas.
Even with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior in the starting lineup, Real couldn’t break down the 12th-placed side.
Following the match, Alonso encouraged his squad to “keep growing, improving and engaging in positive self-reflection” and acknowledged that they “struggled” to execute their tactical plan due to Rayo’s intensity without the ball.
“We were ready for a demanding game,” Alonso said during his post-match press conference.
“It’s always been hard for us [in Vallecas]. Rayo ask a lot of you. They take you to a place where the games have a frenetic rhythm.”
Since then, Spanish media — known for their sharp critiques — have weighed in on Real’s underwhelming display, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the “dressing room shows little to no connection” with Alonso despite the team’s strong league standing.
Journalist Mario Calderon noted: “It was clear that several players, such as Vinicius, Bellingham, and [Thibaut] Courtois, weren’t entirely happy with the coach’s decisions regarding playing the ball out from the back. Others, like Fede Valverde and [Eduardo] Camavinga, who haven’t secured a regular starting spot and move around to different positions, also seem disconnected from Xabi Alonso.”
Calderon suggested that the root of the issue lies in the shift in training philosophy since Alonso took over.
Former manager Carlo Ancelotti was reportedly less strict in his tactical demands, whereas Alonso is “controlling everything” through various tools such as video analysis, drone footage, and detailed tactical sessions.
Despite the speculation, club president Florentino Perez continues to back Alonso.
Real Madrid are set to resume their La Liga campaign after the international break with an away fixture against Elche.
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