The dismissal of Xabi Alonso on January 12, 2026, was not merely a reaction to the 3-2 Super Cup loss to Barcelona. It was the culmination of a deep-seated internal war that split the Real Madrid locker room into two distinct camps.
While some players remained loyal to the Basque coach, a powerful group of “heavyweights” successfully undermined his authority, making his continuation impossible.
Real Madrid: The Five Players Who Accelerated the End
According to internal reports, five key figures were decisive in Xabi Alonso’s erosion. Their friction with his tactical rigidity and demanding methods created an unsustainable environment:
- Vinícius Júnior: The relationship was broken months ago. Tensions peaked in October 2025 when Vinícius lashed out at Alonso after a substitution. The Brazilian reportedly felt stifled by Alonso’s defensive demands and rotation policy.
- Federico Valverde: Despite his professional profile, the co-captain was deeply unhappy. Alonso frequently played him out of position (often at right-back) to cover for injuries, a role Valverde openly resented.
- Rodrygo Goes: Frustrated by a lack of consistent minutes and a “distant” relationship with the coach, Rodrygo was among the first to lose faith in the project.
- Brahim Díaz: Despite performing well whenever called upon, Brahim felt marginalized by Alonso’s hierarchies and struggled to find a regular place in the starting XI.
- Kylian Mbappé (The Final Blow): While initially a supporter, Mbappé’s loyalty vanished during the Super Cup. His decision to publicly overrule Alonso’s order for a guard of honor was the ultimate act of defiance, signaling to the board that the coach no longer commanded the respect of his biggest star.
The “Alonso Fan Club”: The Loyalists Who Stayed Behind
Not everyone turned their back on the manager. A specific group of players—many of whom were seen as “Alonso signings” or beneficiaries of his system—defended him until the final hour:
- Dean Huijsen & Álvaro Carreras: Both young defenders became cornerstones of the team under Alonso and remained fully committed to his tactical vision.
- Arda Güler: The Turkish talent saw his stature grow significantly under Alonso’s mentorship and was reportedly “devastated” by the firing.
- Thibaut Courtois: The veteran goalkeeper remained a vocal supporter, often defending Alonso’s tactics even when the defense struggled.
A Pattern of “Locker Room Power” at the Bernabéu
Internal data suggests that over 60% of Real Madrid coaching changes in the last decade have been preceded by similar locker room fractures. Xabi Alonso now joins a list of elite managers like Mourinho, Benítez, and Lopetegui, who were forced out once they lost the support of the squad’s most influential players.
With Álvaro Arbeloa now in charge, his primary challenge will be reuniting these fractured factions before the season slips away entirely.
