Bale Analyzes Alonso’s Dismissal and Leadership Challenges at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso, who was recently relieved of his managerial duties, arrived at Real Madrid with an impressive track record following his success at Bayer Leverkusen. Despite achieving an outstanding record of 13 wins in his first 14 matches, his time on the Madrid bench quickly deteriorated, culminating in his dismissal after a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and sparking widespread speculation about the reasons behind his downfall.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Gareth Bale offered a candid evaluation of Alonso’s challenges. Having spent a decade at Real Madrid filled with both triumphs and turbulence, Bale highlighted that the skill set necessary for success at Real Madrid markedly differs from that required at most other clubs.

“He is an incredible coach,” Bale stated. “He has won numerous titles at Bayer Leverkusen and has a proven ability to coach effectively. However, at Real Madrid, the role transcends coaching; it requires strong management capabilities.”

Bale’s insights focused on the unique dynamics of the dressing room at the Bernabeu. Historically, Real Madrid has embraced the ‘Galactico’ philosophy, attracting some of the most expensive and talented players globally. According to Bale, these elite athletes do not thrive under micromanagement; rather, they need a nuanced approach to leadership.

“You have to manage the egos in the dressing room,” Bale explained. “You must nurture those egos.”

Alonso’s relationship with Vinicius Junior reportedly faced significant strain during his tenure. The decision to occasionally bench the Brazilian forward led to tension, with Vinicius expressing a desire to leave the club following a dramatic reaction to being substituted against Barcelona.

Bale further elaborated that an overemphasis on tactics can be counterproductive at Real Madrid. His philosophy suggests that with an abundance of world-class talent, the game plan should be straightforward: deploy the best players and let them dictate the outcome.

“You don’t need to overcomplicate tactics,” Bale asserted. “In the dressing room, there are superstars capable of changing the game in an instant. While Alonso is undoubtedly a great coach and tactician, it simply did not translate effectively at Madrid.”

This perspective resonates with the successes of previous managers such as Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, who were often viewed as facilitators rather than strict tacticians. They empowered players like Bale and Vinicius Junior to create moments of brilliance. In contrast, Alonso’s methodologies appeared to restrict player expression.

Captain Dani Carvajal expressed similar sentiments earlier this season, comparing Ancelotti and Alonso. He noted, “Each coach has a distinct methodology and generational differences. With Carletto, we had significantly more freedom, even if he occasionally showed frustration. Xabi is more direct and disciplined, but each has their own unique approach.”

Bale’s comments serve as both a cautionary tale for potential future Madrid managers and a reflection on the factors that contributed to Alonso’s unsuccessful tenure. The current squad, featuring talents like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius, embodies the match-winners Bale refers to—players who can dismantle defenses when they feel supported and at ease.

Following Alonso’s departure, Alvaro Arbeloa’s reign began on a challenging note with a surprising 3-2 loss in the Copa del Rey. However, the team has since regrouped, achieving two decisive victories, including a La Liga win against Levante and a 6-1 triumph over Monaco in the Champions League.