Zinedine Zidane has opened up about Xabi Alonso’s short-lived spell at Real Madrid, shedding light on an unwritten rule inside the club that ultimately played a decisive role in the coach’s departure.
Alonso left Real Madrid after only seven months in charge, stepping away just one day after a heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Despite how recent the exit is, his name is already being linked with a potential move to the Premier League.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are reportedly exploring high-profile alternatives, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp emerging as a dream target for the summer.
Zinedine Zidane himself had been linked with a possible return, having already enjoyed two highly successful spells in charge of the club.
Asked about Alonso’s exit, Zidane offered a revealing insight into how things truly work at the Bernabéu.
The hidden rule at Real Madrid according to Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane suggested that, at Real Madrid, success depends heavily on the relationship between the coach and the players, hinting that the squad ultimately holds significant influence.
His comments come amid reports that Alonso had fallen out with several senior players before deciding to walk away from the role.
Speaking on Hamidou Msaidie’s YouTube channel, Zidane said:
“At Real Madrid, we were at the players’ disposal. For me, that’s what makes a team strong — you’re there for the players. If you don’t understand that, you can’t last in this profession.
“We’re there to support them; you have to show them that you’re there for them. For the dressing room to accept what you want to implement, they have to like you. If the players don’t agree with everything they’re given — the training, all of that — something will always be missing. With us, I think they really enjoyed it on every level.”
Tension in the dressing room and Alonso’s downfall
According to reports, Alonso’s relationship with the squad deteriorated after he allegedly criticised players for behaving like they were in a “nursery,” a rant that proved costly.
Spanish outlet Marca claimed that players became uncomfortable with the intensity and complexity of the tactical demands placed on them. Other reports suggested a fallout between Alonso and Jude Bellingham, although the England international strongly denied those claims.
Responding on his app, Bellingham said:
“Until now, I’ve let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time. But honestly… what a load of sh*t.
“I truly feel sorry for the people who hang onto every word of these clowns and their ‘sources’. Do not believe everything you read. Every now and then, these lot need to be held accountable for spreading damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy.”
Alonso’s brief reign may be over, but Zidane’s words underline a timeless truth at Real Madrid: tactics matter, titles matter — but the dressing room always has the final say.
