Gareth Bale reveals the truth behind Xabi Alonso’s dismissal from Real Madrid

When Gareth Bale spoke out, the internal situation at Real Madrid during Xabi Alonso’s tenure gradually became clearer.

Xabi Alonso was once expected to bring a fresh breeze to Real Madrid when appointed in the summer, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. However, his time at the Bernabeu quickly turned into a disappointment. After just half a season, the Real leadership decided to sack him, ending a brief and turbulent spell.

Under Alonso, Real Madrid failed to achieve the necessary stability. The Royal Club fell far behind Barcelona in the La Liga race, and losing to the same rival in the Spanish Super Cup was seen as a decisive turning point. These results gradually eroded confidence in the Spanish coach.

Besides tactical issues, Alonso also struggled to control the locker room. Some key players were reportedly not on good terms with him, with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo being the most notable names. These simmering internal rifts clearly affected the team’s morale and cohesion.

Regarding the reasons for Alonso’s failure, Gareth Bale offered a candid opinion. The former Welsh star believed that tactical ability alone was not enough at the Bernabeu. On TNT Sport, Bale said: “He is a great coach. He has won titles at Bayer Leverkusen, lifted trophies, and managed teams very well. But when you come to Real Madrid, you don’t just need to be a coach, you need to be a manager. You have to handle the egos in the dressing room.

You have to cater to those egos. You don’t need to do too much tactically. There are superstars in the dressing room who can change a game in an instant. So yes, he is a good coach and tactician, but at Real Madrid, clearly, that wasn’t enough.” Bale concluded his viewpoint.

After leaving the hot seat, Alonso also admitted his tenure did not meet expectations. He wrote: “This chapter of my career has ended, and it didn’t go as we hoped. Leading Real Madrid is an honor and also a responsibility. I thank the club, the players, and above all the Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I gave my best.”

Real Madrid quickly appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as his successor. Despite a rough start with a defeat against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Arbeloa managed to make an impact with a La Liga victory and an explosive performance in the Champions League, opening a new chapter for the Royal Club.