Vinícius, Valverde and Bellingham said to have struggled under Xabi Alonso

Goal reports that, citing The Athletic, Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham faced challenges with Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach and coaching style, a factor cited after Real Madrid announced on Monday that Alonso was no longer head coach.

Alonso had initially won 17 of his first 20 matches with Los Blancos, but the team’s results declined. The Athletic says tensions began to surface during the October 2025 match against FC Barcelona, when Vinícius was unhappy about being substituted and chose not to shake Alonso’s hand; the club did not discipline the forward, which the report says led Alonso to feel undermined by the management.

The report also highlights that Valverde and Bellingham experienced difficulties with Alonso’s management and tactics. Bellingham enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season and was a key figure last term but has struggled this campaign and is reportedly no longer the undisputed midfield starter he was under Carlo Ancelotti, while Valverde’s versatility saw him used in different positions and miss out on his preferred midfield spot. Reports suggest Alonso left the club on amicable terms, with these player-management strains cited as contributing factors to his departure.

Key Topics

Sports, Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid