There are always rumours swirling around clubs that are loaded with the biggest football stars – and egos in the squad. For a coach, it is impossible to have everyone happy at all times, but at Real Madrid it is reported that dissatisfaction is increasing.
Carlo Ancelotti was a tough Real Madrid manager, but had his “grandfather” style, brimming with experience, where he became personally attached to the players. Xabi Alonso comes from great success at Bayer Leverkusen, but is still new to the trade. After his arrival as Ancelotti’s replacement in the summer, Alonso has made major changes, changes that have caused several of the biggest stars to react.
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According to AS, alarm bells continue to ring around Real Madrid. The focus is on coach Xabi Alonso. According to the Spanish media, the club management is concerned about the loss of cohesion between the coaching staff and the players. Reports of discontent in the dressing room have poured in in recent weeks, despite still leading the league.
Former AS journalist Jorge C Picón believes the situation is becoming “unsustainable”, and that several players want a change of coach. Overall, an “explosive cocktail” has been created, he writes. On Monday, The Athletic reported that Vinícius Jr. has no plans to extend his contract as long as his relationship with Xabi Alonso remains strained.
Cadena SER claims in addition to the Brazilian, the relationship has also deteriorated with Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham. Valverde is unhappy with playing right-back. He sees himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, but the coach doesn’t even see him as a midfielder,” says SER’s Antón Meana.
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Bellingham, on the other hand, feels that Xabi Alonso is not getting the best out of him in his system. Cadena Cope also adds that Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, Endrick and Ferland Mendy are unhappy with their playing time. Cope, on the other hand, states that Xabi Alonso has Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, Thibaut Courtois, Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé with him.
“Explosive cocktail” covers the situation well.
