Real Madrid has officially announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso, a decision that many followers of the club anticipated given the team’s recent troubles both on and off the pitch.
Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti during the summer, quickly engaged with the squad during the Club World Cup. Despite a reasonably impressive record of 14 wins out of 19 La Liga matches this season—trailing Barcelona by just four points—his management style has struggled to resonate with players, leading to reported tensions among the team.
The breaking point appeared to be the defeat in the Super Cup final against Barcelona, which prompted the club to issue a ‘Comunicado Oficial’ confirming that the decision to part ways was mutual. This article explores six players who are likely to view Alonso’s exit favorably.
Vinicius Junior
Unquestionably, Vinicius is at the forefront of players benefiting from this coaching change.
Contract discussions surrounding the Brazilian winger have lingered throughout the season. With his current contract expiring next year, it has come to light that he has withheld commitment to an extension as long as Alonso remained in charge.
A particularly tense moment occurred during October’s El Clasico against Barcelona, where Vinicius reacted furiously after being substituted, reportedly shouting, “Always me! I’m leaving the club!” as he exited the pitch. He later offered an apology on social media but notably omitted any mention of Alonso.
With Alonso’s departure, it appears Vinicius is emerging victorious in this struggle, making it essential to monitor how negotiations proceed moving forward.
Jude Bellingham
Despite a solid player-coach relationship at times, England international Jude Bellingham also expressed dissatisfaction with his role on the team.
After returning from shoulder surgery, Bellingham became a regular in Alonso’s lineup; however, reports from Spanish media indicate he was uncomfortable with the tactical framework that altered his natural playing style. While he has showcased moments of brilliance, he has yet to consistently replicate his impressive form from his debut season at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo
Brazilian forward Rodrygo faced an extended goalscoring drought under Alonso, famously going 32 matches without finding the net.
Many of his minutes came intermittently rather than in a consistent starting role, resulting in limited opportunities to impact games effectively. His ambition will now likely be to secure a more significant role under the new managerial setup.
Federico Valverde
The case of Federico Valverde presents an intriguing subplot from Alonso’s tenure. Valverde’s all-action style had no clear fit within Alonso’s midfield setup.
He found himself playing out of position as a substitute right-back due to an injury crisis, a shift he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction about. New manager Alvaro Arbeloa, having experience in that position as a former right-back, might opt for a different approach that better suits Valverde’s talents.
Kylian Mbappe
Although Kylian Mbappe had an individual scoring record under Alonso that stands out, the overall team performance has lacked coherence.
With 30 goals and seven assists in 27 matches, Mbappe excelled personally. Still, the club’s broader struggles to function as a unit could hinder his aspirations for significant silverware, including the elusive Champions League trophy. His actions following the Super Cup defeat, where he declined to form a guard of honor for Barcelona, indicated potential discontent, though direct reports of his feelings toward Alonso remain sparse.
Endrick
Promoted in discussions as a potential footballing prodigy, Endrick’s transition from Brazil to Real Madrid has not gone smoothly under Alonso.
With limited appearances—only three, including one start—he struggled to find a foothold in a high-stakes environment. This managerial change offers renewed optimism for Endrick, providing a fresh chance to be reintegrated into the first-team setup next season.
In summary, the resignation of Xabi Alonso opens up possibilities not just for Real Madrid as a club, but also for several players who hope to find their footing under new leadership. As Alvaro Arbeloa steps in, the dynamics within the squad could shift, potentially fostering a more harmonious and productive environment. The upcoming weeks will be critical for assessing how these changes impact player performances and the overall trajectory of Madrid’s season.
