Tension? Crisis? Mutiny? Xabi Alonso is brushing all those whispers aside with the calm of a man who has seen every storm football can conjure.
Inside the Noise: Why Alonso Says Madrid Are “Stronger Than Ever”
Despite Real Madrid sitting firmly in the La Liga title race, Spanish media have been buzzing with claims of internal discord—stories alleging friction between Alonso and several of his star players.
Reports suggested certain big names were unhappy with his methods, while others went as far as to hint the manager could face an early exit from the Bernabéu.
The rumor mill even placed Vinicius Junior at the center of the storm, implying his hesitation to renew his contract stemmed from a difficult relationship with the new coach.
But the Madrid squad didn’t stay silent. Federico Valverde fired back publicly on Instagram, declaring:
“After a week of many things being said, we are more united than ever… Having the best team in the world committed is an honor.”
When asked whether the message reassured him, Alonso used it to dismiss the narrative entirely, insisting the unity inside the club is real—not a slogan.
“I’ve always felt the team is very united,” he said. “We’re all clear about the objective: to reach March, April, and May with the chance to win everything. We stay together in the good moments and the more complicated ones. Whatever is being said outside, inside we’re very solid.”
Alonso Clears the Air on Jude Bellingham Talks
Alongside the noise surrounding Vinicius, another name dragged into the speculation has been Jude Bellingham.
Reports have claimed the English midfielder was losing patience with Alonso’s tactical demands.
Given the chance to address the situation directly, Alonso dismissed the claims without hesitation.
“I have a very good relationship with him,” he explained. “He has that hunger to learn, to understand, to be more efficient. I like players who come with questions, wanting to improve.”
Alonso emphasized Bellingham’s versatility and intelligence, calling him “a player with initiative” whose adaptability allows him to thrive in multiple positions—provided the team understands the context around him.
For now, the message from Madrid is unmistakable: the noise outside may be loud, but Alonso insists the foundation inside the Bernabéu remains unshaken.
