Real Madrid and the Xabi Alonso moment

For some time now, Real Madrid has lived in its own world, detached from external pressures. Decisions are made – whether people like them or not – based on a clear strategy and an unshakable belief in what’s being done. The outside noise that inevitably follows every minor setback hasn’t altered the path set by the club’s leadership for quite a while. Each summer, public demands for marquee signings resurface, and yet the long list of rumored stars rarely make it to the Bernabéu – at least not wearing Madrid’s white shirt.

After defeating Barcelona in El Clásico and ending a season-long drought, the past two weeks have seen a kind of seismic movement questioning everything around the club. It’s loud on social media and in the public sphere – though not in Valdebebas or the club offices. Once again, those within the institution operate at a different pace, detached from speculation and trending debates. True, the much-discussed swap between Vinicius and Rodrygo and the latter’s performance after replacing his teammate opened the door to rumors. But to leap from that to talk of crisis, ultimatums, or players refusing to put in the effort is a stretch too far.

The matter was resolved in a way the club applauded. What could have turned into a major conflict instead became a moment of reflection and apology from the Brazilian, a gesture that was accepted by the group – as reflected in the public reaction from his teammates.

Inside the club, no one in a position of authority is considering drastic measures or do-or-die decisions. The supposed turmoil simply doesn’t match reality. The disappointment over the team’s recent performances – and Xabi Alonso’s management of them – has led to calm analysis rather than panic. The tone is one of prudence, reflection, and measured evaluation before choosing what comes next.

Confidence in Alonso remains intact, even if certain moments – such as the brief appearance of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield – could have played out differently. There’s still time to find that competitive edge that flickers in and out of view but hasn’t yet taken firm root. The lack of continuity is obvious, and no one knows it better than Alonso himself. He understands perfectly what Real Madrid represents and the demands that come with it. Pressure doesn’t intimidate him; he knows this is the decisive moment for him as a coach – the time to recover the team’s intensity, that spark shown only in flashes, and make it permanent. That’s the challenge facing Alonso and his staff.

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