Real Madrid Struggles Highlight Alonso’s Tough Task
Xabi Alonso began his tenure as Real Madrid manager in May with high hopes and immediate success. The former midfielder guided the team to 13 wins in their opening 14 games across all competitions. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
Notable victories over Barcelona, Villarreal, and Marseille in the Champions League had fans optimistic that the Bernabeu was witnessing a new era. However, the tide turned as Alonso’s side struggled in recent weeks.
Real have won just five of their last 11 matches, drawing three consecutive La Liga games against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona in November. This slump allowed Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, to overtake them at the top of the table.
The Champions League has also posed difficulties. Real Madrid currently sit seventh in their group, having lost two of their last three fixtures against Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City. Even domestic cup competition has been a challenge, with a narrow 3-2 victory over Talavera CF in the Copa del Rey highlighting inconsistency.
Strained Relations with Vinicius Jr
While Alonso has maximized the talents of Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 29 goals in 24 games, he has faced difficulties managing Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger has alternated between starting and being on the bench, sparking tension at times.
During the October Clasico, Vinicius reacted angrily to being substituted in the second half of Real’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona, reportedly telling Alonso, “Always me! I’m leaving the team! It’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.” Although Vinicius later apologized to fans, the incident put Alonso under further scrutiny.
Despite this, Alonso maintains that he has a “very good relationship” with Vinicius. Balancing the egos and expectations of superstar players remains a constant challenge, particularly when one player is in remarkable form while another struggles for consistency.
Read Also: Declan Rice the Natural Leader Ready to Carry England Into a New Era
Fabregas Highlights Dressing Room Pressure
Former Spain teammate Cesc Fabregas has shed light on Alonso’s struggles at Real Madrid. Speaking in a documentary about Alonso’s career, Fabregas emphasized the difficulty of managing a squad full of high-profile players. “They’re all very good. They all deserve to play. They all think they have to play. Former goalkeeper Pepe Reina agreed, noting that it’s “not easy, especially in a locker room like this,” but praised Alonso’s ability to communicate honestly with his players.
Rafa Benitez, who coached Alonso at Liverpool, also expressed confidence in his compatriot’s managerial skills, stating that Alonso has the ability to manage even the most demanding dressing rooms. Fabregas’ and Reina’s insights underline the unique challenges Alonso faces managing both elite talent and strong personalities while maintaining team cohesion and results.
Looking Ahead: Key Matches in 2026
Alonso will hope to stabilize Real Madrid with upcoming fixtures. The season resumes with a La Liga match against Real Betis on January 4, followed by a Spanish Super Cup semi-final against city rivals Atletico Madrid on January 8. These games present a chance to build momentum and demonstrate Alonso’s authority in high-pressure matches.
Later in January, Real will host Levante on the 17th and welcome Ligue 1 side Monaco to the Bernabeu for a crucial Champions League fixture three days later. Success in these matches is critical for both Alonso’s reputation and Real Madrid’s ambitions in domestic and European competitions.
Alonso’s ability to manage star players, maintain team balance, and deliver results will determine whether his early promise translates into sustained success at one of football’s most demanding clubs. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest storie
