Alonso moves to calm Real Madrid tensions after turbulent fortnight
Questions over recent unrest
Speculation around Real Madrid’s dressing-room mood grew earlier this month when the club went through a brief run without a victory, a sequence that inevitably intensified scrutiny in the Spanish press.
Reports from several outlets suggested that some senior figures were unconvinced by aspects of Xabi Alonso’s training demands and tactical framework, while others were described as fully supportive.
Although disagreements inside elite squads are not unusual, the rumours gained traction because they coincided with a stretch of uneven performances and a visible dip in confidence.
Spanish programme El Chiringuito TV, referencing commentary from journalist Edu Aguirre, noted that the atmosphere around the team had become a talking point among reporters who follow the club daily.
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Alonso’s response
According to Aguirre’s account on the programme, Alonso chose to address the concerns directly rather than allowing tension to linger. Over the past several days, he held a series of informal discussions with small groups of players, inviting them to share their view of the team’s current direction and to outline areas they felt could be improved.
The meetings, described as conversational rather than confrontational, were part of an effort to reaffirm internal trust during what is still an early chapter of Alonso’s managerial tenure at Real Madrid.
The coach, who arrived amid high expectations due to his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, has said previously that open dialogue is essential when managing a squad with multiple star personalities.
Signs of improved atmosphere
People familiar with the dressing-room mood have suggested that the conversations helped ease some of the underlying tension. Players were said to have responded positively to being heard, and several staff members noted an uptick in energy at training sessions in Valdebebas.
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That shift appeared to carry into the team’s recent trip to Athens, where Madrid defeated Olympiacos 4,3. Kylian Mbappé delivered a standout performance with four goals, while Vinicius Jr. contributed two assists and had a goal of his own disallowed. Although a single match cannot resolve deeper issues, the win offered a welcome reprieve after a difficult spell.
Broader context and challenges ahead
Madrid’s situation must also be viewed within the larger frame of their season. The squad has faced injuries to key players, tactical adjustments under a new manager and the pressure that comes with integrating a major signing like Mbappé into an already star-heavy lineup.
Historically, early-season turbulence at Madrid is not unusual, and past coaches have often needed time to settle the balance between established leaders and new arrivals.
Alonso, at 44, is still shaping his identity in the role. While his reputation as a tactician is strong, he is navigating his first months in one of football’s most demanding positions. The club knows that the road ahead will include further tests of consistency and internal cohesion.
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Even so, after a fortnight dominated by speculation, Madrid appear to have regained a measure of stability, helped by deliberate efforts to clear the air and reset expectations inside the squad.
