Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso “thinks of himself as Josep Guardiola” and has upset some players with his “distancing” and “strict” approach to the manager, according to reports.
This is according to The Athletic, which provided analysis of Alonso’s first few months as Whites manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti in June.
Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid: important details
Vinicius Junior only played the full 90 minutes three times in the 2025/26 season. Arda Güler became a key player in Alonso’s midfield. The only defeat all season was against city rivals Atlético, a 5-2 defeat in La Liga. Kylian Mbappé has scored 16 goals in 13 games this season.
Replacing legendary manager Ancelotti has always been difficult, but Alonso was always the man Real Madrid wanted for the job.
Ancelotti’s relaxed approach on the training ground helped create a positive atmosphere around the club, and his attacking philosophy allowed players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham to express themselves.
Alonso commands similar respect for his success as Bayer Leverkusen manager, but more importantly for his career as a player.
The 43-year-old won 14 trophies in his club career, including the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool under manager Ancelotti during spells at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The 2003 Spanish Player of the Year also won a World Cup and two European Championship titles for his country.
Madrid supporters know he is a legend of the game, but that doesn’t take the pressure off him or give him more time than anyone else.
Furthermore, with the power of players only growing stronger and Madrid having some of the best players in the world, Alonso has to convince his team that he is the man, which comes from his in-game management, his training regime and the way he communicates on a personal and coaching level.
Real Madrid players feel ‘disrespected’ by ‘distant’ Alonso
An article in The Athletic reveals Alonso’s methods at the Bernabéu. While there are some positives, especially in terms of results, he reportedly made some players nervous.
It is said that there are “rising tensions between Alonso and some members of the team”, with the first-team stars “dissatisfied with his management and the way he has imposed some important changes since his arrival in the summer”.
Alonso has taken a “more demanding and strict approach to the team’s style” and is “remote and inaccessible”, the opposite of what they had under “hugely popular” former manager Ancelotti, leaving some players feeling “disrespected and dissatisfied”.
The Athletic is lucky to have contacts at the club and has some shocking quotes from them. Of course, I remain anonymous to protect the relationship.
“Xavi has tried to ensure discipline and order in his days by managing his schedule, increasing his work in the gym on a preventive level, and doing group and individual video sessions.”
“Some of them have complained that these things are being imposed on them because some of them won a lot of money without doing these things. It’s not a secret and some cases are public. It’s normal, especially for people who were untouchables.”
“I went from being a coach who barely attended training sessions to being a coach who just looked like a player.”
“He thinks he’s Josep Guardiola, but for now it’s just Xavi.”
So Madrid’s players can’t get away with doing nothing under this jobworth, and they don’t like it.
And if players buy what Alonso is selling and keep winning football games, he could become Pep Guardiola.
Read: Ronaldo, Mbappe and Haaland lead the list of football’s highest earners without Messi
Vinicius Jr.’s failure to ignore Xabi Alonso’s apology during El Clasico was not an oversight
One of the players who is angry with Alonso is Vinicius, who stormed off the pitch moments after a point went up during Sunday’s Clasico win over arch-rivals Barcelona.
He asked, “Me?” Five times since Rodrigo was seen waiting to take his place. “It’s always me. I’m leaving the team. It’s better for me to leave, I’m leaving,” the 25-year-old said as he headed straight down the tunnel, ignoring Alonso, who ignored the Brazilian.
Learn more about Vinicius JR on F365
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On Wednesday, Vinicius apologized to his “team-mates, the club and the president” but not Alonso.
“Today I would like to apologize to all Madrid players for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico. I would like to apologize once again to my team-mates, the club and the president, just as I have already apologized directly during training today.”
As reported by The Athletic, Vinicius clearly intended to leave the manager out of the statement. In summary, it was a “necessary apology and noted inaction.”
