Why Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid may be heading toward a dressing room divide

Managing Real Madrid is never an easy task, given the club’s success over the years and its squad of superstar players, who often need their egos massaged. Xabi Alonso is facing this challenge as the new head coach and has reportedly started to feel it only a few months into his time at the Bernabeu.

According to a report by The Athletic, tensions have been growing between Alonso and some senior players inside the dressing room. Several members of the first team are unhappy with how the former Madrid midfielder has changed things since taking charge in June.

Why are players unhappy with Alonso

The report suggests that many senior players feel Alonso is too strict compared to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, who was seen as warm and understanding and apparently rarely interfered during training. But Alonso is said to be quite active even during training sessions.

Alonso has reportedly restricted players’ entourages, including family members and agents, from accessing the training grounds. The same has been applied to a few staff members as well. The report claims that only specialists required in these training sessions are allowed to be present.

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The number of people allowed to be in the dressing room during a match has also been limited by Alonso. However, all of them can enter the dressing room after a match ends. This is being done to prevent confidential information from being leaked, including the starting line-ups.

Players are also unhappy with some tactical changes imposed by Alonso over the past couple of months. This has reportedly created a rift in the dressing room with many of them feeling “disrespected and dissatisfied.”

One example is how Vinicius Junior stormed off the field after being substituted during an El Clasico match against Barcelona last week. He later apologised publicly but left out Alonso’s name from his social media post. Alonso, however, didn’t seem to mind, saying “Vini did well, he was impeccable. He spoke from the heart, with sincerity. I was very satisfied and for me, from that moment the matter is closed."

Why Alonso may continue despite tension

Still, the results are in Alonso’s favour, and for now, he might get his way. Real Madrid currently lead La Liga after a crucial 2-1 win over Barcelona and remain unbeaten in the Champions League. Alonso also has some supporters inside the club and the report suggests that his methods are being appreciated.

Alonso’s disciplined approach has reportedly put some players back on track after former coach Ancelotti complained that they were not putting their talents to the benefit of the club. Meanwhile, club president Florentino Perez is also known for siding with his managers in any feud with players.