Challenges Faced by Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid manager began with great promise following his appointment in May. The 44-year-old, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti, led the team to an impressive record of 13 wins in their first 14 matches across all competitions, including notable victories against Villarreal, fierce rivals Barcelona, and Marseille in the Champions League.

However, Alonso is now experiencing significant pressure in the Spanish capital. A disappointing run has seen Real Madrid win only five of their last 11 matches. Following three consecutive league draws against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona in November, the team lost its top position in the standings to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

Real Madrid’s performance in the Champions League has also faltered, with the club currently sitting seventh after losing two of their last three matches to Premier League teams Liverpool and Manchester City. Their recent Copa del Rey match against Talavera CF ended narrowly with a 3-2 victory, raising further concerns about the team’s form.

While Alonso has successfully harnessed the talents of star forward Kylian Mbappe, who has tallied an impressive 29 goals in just 24 games this season, he has faced challenges in managing the relationship with Vinicius Junior. Reports suggest a strained dynamic, highlighted by an incident where Vinicius, upset after being substituted during a 2-1 Clasico victory against Barcelona, was heard expressing his frustration towards Alonso.

In a recent documentary, former footballer Cesc Fabregas noted that managing a star-studded Real Madrid dressing room is particularly challenging, as every player expects to contribute significantly to the team’s success. Fabregas remarked, “They all deserve to play. They all think they have to play. Handling this… has to be the most difficult thing of all.”

Supporting this view, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina acknowledged the complexities of leading such a talented group but expressed confidence in Alonso’s ability to communicate effectively. Additionally, former Real Madrid head coach Rafa Benitez stated that Alonso possesses the necessary skills to manage the dressing room dynamics.

Looking ahead, Alonso will aim to relieve the mounting pressure when Real Madrid resumes action in 2026. The team is set to face Real Betis in La Liga on January 4, followed by a crucial semi-final against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup just days later. Real Madrid will then take on Levante in the league and host Ligue 1’s Monaco in their next Champions League match.