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Graham Hunter
Despite Real Madrid being at the top of La Liga and safely positioned within the UEFA Champions League’s crucial top eight before their midweek match with Olympiacos, the threat facing manager Xabi Alonso is very real.
Even without any imminent job loss, the political landscape of the club is treacherous, and Alonso is keenly aware of the pressures he faces.
The recent 2-2 draw against newly promoted Elche, where Madrid fell behind twice to goals by former youths (Aleix Febas and Álvaro Rodríguez), resulted in a fleeting equalizer from Jude Bellingham, which many felt should have been disallowed due to Vinícius Júnior‘s foul on Elche goalkeeper Iñaki Peña. This outcome ignited outrage among Madrid’s media commentators.
This match marked three winless games for the club, following struggles against Liverpool in the Champions League and a tough outing against Rayo Vallecano. The team’s performance, particularly given the pressure from rivals like Barcelona, has left many serious doubters.
Critics highlight a “disconnect” between Alonso and his players, suggesting that he fails to convey his tactical ideas effectively. Tomás Roncero from Diario AS, a prominent Madrid supporter, expressed his worry about Alonso’s rapport with the squad after the draw. While he remains hopeful Alonso can improve, he stressed the growing concern about the team’s lack of spirit and connection.
The media is rife with sensational headlines like “Madrid are suffering!” and “Madrid have forgotten how to win!” indicating a narrative of crisis around Alonso.
A primary concern is the relationship between Vinícius Júnior and Alonso. Following his substitution against Barcelona, Vinícius reacted angrily, indicating discontent with the coach’s decisions. Consequently, the demand for retaining Vinícius at the club has intensified, creating a pressure point for Alonso.
Alonso’s team selections, viewed as defiant, have raised eyebrows, especially with key players like Vinícius and Federico Valverde on the bench for crucial matches.
The widespread media sentiment concerning Alonso’s tactical misunderstandings implies a much deeper issue within the club, possibly fueled by influence from senior figures or player representatives.
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As Madrid gears up for their match against Olympiacos, lingering issues from previous seasons persist. Alonso’s squad is still feeling the effects of inadequate pre-season preparations and high expectations following his success at Bayer Leverkusen.
In a recent interview, Alonso emphasized the importance of being clear about his vision for the team, suggesting that he is not rigid in his approach. The timing of a documentary revealing his tactical flexibility only adds pressure to his current situation.
Alonso’s indifference to media relationships may weaken his position, as Madrid has a history of rapid managerial changes under president Florentino Pérez. Given the present turmoil, it feels unthinkable that Alonso’s role could genuinely be at risk, yet the wolves grow ever closer.
The antidote to Alonso’s troubles would be a string of victories, starting with their crucial encounter in Athens against Olympiacos.