Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso sack stance revealed amid team ‘discontent’ ahead of Olympiacos clash

Real Madrid have reportedly backed head coach Xabi Alonso in a power struggle between the manager and some of his players.

On the face of it, the mood should be positive with Alonso’s side sitting top of La Liga and in ninth spot in the Champions League league phase after winning three of their four European assignments.

However, Real Madrid have struggled in recent weeks, having failed to win any of their last three competitive matches.

After losing to Liverpool in the Champions League, Real Madrid went on to play out La Liga draws with Rayo Vallecano and Elche on either side of the international break. 

© Imago

Real Madrid set out Alonso stance

The frustrating 2-2 draw against Elche was soon followed by reports that Vinicius Junior is reluctant to sign a new deal due to his strained relationship with Alonso. 

There is said to be a group of Real Madrid players who are not happy with Alonso’s methods, leading to speculation about whether the club could consider a change of head coach. 

However, according to Marca, Alonso still retains the full backing of the board, and there are no plans to remove him from his post. 

The report claims that the club’s hierarchy have made it clear that the ‘coach is the boss’ and that he is the most suitable individual to lead the side in the coming years.

© Imago

Real Madrid right to back Alonso

Real Madrid knew this season would be the start of a new era after parting ways with Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last term.

Ancelotti cemented his place as the club’s most successful manager in history, although he departed following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, where the criticism was made that the team lacked an identity.

That is why Los Blancos turned to Alonso, who demonstrated during his successful time with Bayer Leverkusen that he possesses the ability to instil a clear philosophy and structure at a club.

It can be argued that Alonso has struggled to stamp his identity on Real Madrid, especially as he has largely gone away from the three-man defence that worked so well at Leverkusen.

Alonso is a coach who likes his players to have clearly defined roles, which is a culture change from the freedom Ancelotti offered his team.

Crucially, no player is bigger than Real Madrid, and the club should remain strong in their stance that Alonso has the final say and his word should be respected. 

The Real Madrid boss will hope his side can put the speculation to one side to return to winning ways in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Olympiacos.