No More Chances? Reports Say Alonso Has Lost Control of Real Madrid’s Locker Room, Sacking Looms After Manchester City Clash

Real Madrid’s 0–2 defeat to Celta has ignited a storm in Spain, with multiple media outlets reporting that Xabi Alonso has completely lost control of the dressing room. Even before this crisis, many players had already grown weary of the managerial style inherited from Ancelotti—particularly the overly relaxed internal structure, which blurred authority lines and led to inconsistency on the pitch.

In hopes of revitalizing the squad, the club’s leadership handed Alonso both trust and full managerial power, expecting him to bring a bold new direction similar to Arteta’s revolution at Arsenal. Upon arriving at the Bernabéu, Alonso set out to rebuild discipline, enforcing stricter rules and gaining significant authority over selection and tactical decisions. But this newfound firmness quickly clashed with several established stars who resented their reduced influence and playing time.

However, the results on the pitch have not justified the upheaval. Stability remains elusive, and after more than ten rounds, the team has shown little meaningful improvement. Their strong start faded as fatigue spread across the squad, while many players openly disagreed with Alonso’s substitutions and positional setups. Problems mounted week after week.

The situation worsened after defeat in El Clásico and a series of error-prone Champions League performances. Tensions have risen sharply, with several key players—reportedly including Rodrygo, Valverde, and “Little Bear”—expressing dissatisfaction with Alonso. The conflict escalated to the point where senior management had to step in and mediate.

Alonso’s preferred philosophy—full-team defense and having star players track back—has also met heavy resistance. He insists that no player should feel guaranteed a starting spot and that everyone must fight for the Real Madrid shirt. The stars, however, believe their market value and ability justify both their status and their freedom on the field. They want to play in comfort, not under tactical constraints that limit their expression. This fundamental clash has widened the divide between manager and squad.

As a result, the young Spanish coach now finds himself facing enormous internal pressure. The upcoming clash against Manchester City is being viewed as his decisive test. If Real Madrid fail to overcome Guardiola’s side, Alonso’s future at the Bernabéu may be reconsidered—and his tenure could come to an abrupt end.