Tensions are reportedly rising inside Real Madrid’s dressing room as several key players grow dissatisfied with Xabi Alonso’s leadership. Despite the team maintaining their position at the top of La Liga, internal harmony has been tested by disagreements over tactics and playing style. Alonso, who took charge in the summer of 2025, has faced criticism for his rigid and highly structured approach, which some players feel restricts their freedom on the pitch.

Reports from Spain indicate that high-profile names like Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham are among those struggling to adapt to Alonso’s philosophy. The team’s possession-based system has been described as overly cautious, limiting the natural creativity of its attacking players. Moments of frustration have reportedly surfaced during matches and training sessions, with visible signs of discontent from several senior members of the squad.

Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde are also said to be frustrated, often deployed outside their preferred positions to fit the coach’s tactical blueprint. Alonso’s meticulous and technology-driven training methods—featuring video analysis and statistical monitoring—have not resonated with everyone, particularly those who thrived under the more relaxed and player-focused environments fostered by Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. This contrast has fueled comparisons and stirred nostalgia for the harmony of previous eras.

While Real Madrid continue to dominate domestically, their European campaign has exposed flaws in Alonso’s new system, highlighted by a recent defeat to Liverpool. Critics argue that the emphasis on possession has come at the expense of attacking fluidity, leaving the team less dynamic in the final third. The situation has placed added scrutiny on Alonso’s management style and raised questions about whether his demanding approach can sustain success in a locker room filled with world-class talent.