Internal turmoil erupts at Real Madrid, revealing numerous 'black sheep'

Victories do not mask the underlying tensions at Real Madrid, as Xabi Alonso's era faces its greatest challenge: managing egos, maintaining discipline, and upholding authority at the Bernabéu.

Since taking over the white jersey at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has brought a genuine revolution to the team's playing style and spirit. Yet behind the impressive results on the pitch, the Spanish coach faces an even bigger challenge: controlling the locker room, where massive egos begin to clash, and not everyone is willing to yield.

Xabi Alonso's system shakes up Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso implements the philosophy that “no one is untouchable,” where reputation no longer guarantees a spot, and only current performance determines playing time. This “reward and punishment” mentality has sparked mixed reactions. Many veteran stars feel displaced seeing young players quickly rise under the new coach’s leadership. This is a silent but tense battle reshaping the relationship between the coaching staff and the locker room at Santiago Bernabéu.

President Florentino Pérez has placed full trust in Alonso by ending Carlo Ancelotti’s reign, believing that change is necessary. However, this gamble carries risks if internal control begins to weaken.

Mastantuono: The “detonator” in the locker room

According to Sport, the rapid rise of 18-year-old talent Mastantuono is causing unrest. His starting spot and overshadowing of players like Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz have upset some teammates. Some argue that their experience and skill should be valued more than the Argentine player.

Rodrygo even declared he would no longer play right wing, a position Alonso had pressured him to take. Facing internal pressure, the Spanish coach was forced to concede. Those who lived through “the Ancelotti era” clearly see that while the new model is innovative, it could backfire on its creator.

Bellingham, Valverde, and Vinicius: Three hard-to-control sparks

Jude Bellingham was the brightest star of the 2023/24 season but is currently underperforming. With Güler and Mastantuono impressing, fitting Bellingham into the starting lineup has become a difficult puzzle. The derby loss to Atlético 2-5 is a prime example, as he appeared overworked and inconsistent since his return.

Federico Valverde openly refused to play right back, leading to direct conflict with the coach. He was even excluded from the squad against Kairat and did not play a single minute, signaling that tensions may have peaked.

Vinícius Jr. is also not free from trouble. During the 5-0 win over Kairat, the Brazilian striker showed frustration when substituted in the 70th minute, complaining and displaying a bad attitude. His inconsistent form and temper make him a focal point of suspicion within the team.

Xabi Alonso remains firm on his rotation policy, asserting that “players do not have the right to choose their positions” and that all final decisions rest with him.

Bernabéu awaits: Will the system explode or be contained?

The Bernabéu stands watch with concern. The 2-5 defeat to Atlético was a clear warning. Alonso admitted “it was a disaster” and demanded the entire team reflect on themselves. Although Real Madrid has suffered only one major loss this season, internal cracks are beginning to show.

Many reports describe the “Los Blancos” locker room as a “ticking time bomb” that could explode anytime if the coach does not quickly reassert authority. President Florentino Pérez—who was slow to control internal crises in his previous term—now can only hope that placing trust in Xabi Alonso brings success rather than becoming a wave that washes away the club’s reputation.

Alonso’s greatest challenge is now clear: setting boundaries, managing egos, and maintaining order before Real Madrid (with its star-studded roster) collapses from within. In an environment weighed down by glorious history, Alonso’s philosophy is the toughest test. Success could enshrine him among legends; failure would end his dream just as it begins. The ball doesn’t lie, and in Real Madrid’s locker room, the true referee is Xabi Alonso’s authority.

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