Alonso address changing room issues at Real Madrid during ‘no so good times’
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Xabi Alonso is only months into his Real Madrid tenure but the Spaniard has had to deal with talk of a divided dressing room – something he has been happy to address
Xabi Alonso has rejected the notion that the Real Madrid dressing room is divided and instead talked up their unity in “the good times, and the not-so-good times”.
The Spaniard was only appointed in the summer, taking charge at the club where he won the Champions League. He arrived off the back of success at Bayer Leverkusen but rumours claim not all of the players at Real are in favour of his methods.
Real had been on a run of three games without a win, which saw talk of unrest reach the media. That was ended after a win in Greece in midweek as Los Blancos beat Olympiacos 4-3. Real have largely impressed in La Liga as they look to wrestle back their crown.
Alonso has had to deal with talk of him clashing with Vinicius Jnr, which stems from the Brazilian reacting angrily to being subbed off. Some of the more high profile names are also thought to have concerns, but the man in charge doesn’t buy that.
He said: “I’ve always felt that the team is united, and that we all know what the objective is: to reach the end [of the season] with a chance to win everything. We’re together in the good times, and the not-so-good times. We have a good connection on a daily basis. Despite all the rumours and what some might say, we’re very solid internally.”
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Jude Bellingham is thought to be among those backing the new manager and his methods. Alonso is understood to be more tactically demanding that Carlo Ancelotti, whom he replaced. Kylian Mbappe came out in midweek and said it was on the players to “protect” Alonso.
Throughout November the Spanish giants were beaten by Liverpool at Anfield in Europe and were held at Rayo Vallecano and Elche, which saw the gap at the top close up. Alonso admits there are still aspects that he wants improved, but accepts they are still finding their feet.
He said: “We’ve had some good spells. We need that dominance, control, continuity, and consistency. We’ve been improving, especially defensively. I’m not happy about some things, especially the goals we’ve conceded in the last few matches. We’re still a work in progress.”
Real head to Girona on Sunday night after Barcelona went top on Saturday. Alonso has confirmed centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao would return to the squad for the contest. Last term the Spanish giants surrendered their La Liga crown as well as their tag as champions of Europe.
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