Xabi Alonso and the divisive disciplinary revolution at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are leading La Liga thanks to a series of victories against Juventus (1-0) and Barcelona (2-1), but behind those impressive results lies a controversial disciplinary crackdown by coach Xabi Alonso. According to several sources from The Athletic, the new management style at Bernabeu is creating rifts with some of the big stars, even though the team as a whole is still progressing.

Alonso took over in June, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, and initiated a genuine change in both discipline and tactics. The 2-5 defeat against Atletico Madrid in September – coupled with the humiliating 0-4 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup – had previously plunged him into a storm of criticism. But after that, Real recovered with narrow victories, climbing to the top of La Liga and temporarily easing the pressure.

New discipline and structure at Bernabeu

From the dressing room to the training ground, Alonso raised the bar for the team:

• Emphasis on collective defense and high work intensity.
• Be absolutely punctual, and increase your gym workout volume.
• Restrict access to the training area, allowing only "essential" personnel to attend training sessions.
• Tighten control over information, especially preventing leaks of the lineup to the media.

This is an attempt to set new standards after a period where Real was led by Ancelotti's gentle, approachable style. Alonso aims to build a more scientific, disciplined, and comprehensive Real team in every small detail.

The dressing room is divided in two: big stars and the younger generation.

The drastic measures have left some key figures feeling restricted and disrespected. The recent Vinicius affair has become a flashpoint, further intensifying the sense of insecurity within the party. Compared to his predecessor, Alonso advocates for distance and refuses to compromise on privileges.

A source close to the players described him as: "He thinks he's Pep Guardiola, but right now he's just Xabi." However, not all doors are closed for the 42-year-old coach. Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono, and Dean Huijsen – young players and newcomers – have shown good adaptation when given more playing opportunities.

Positive sign: rotation and tactical flexibility

On the pitch, Alonso rotates the squad and adjusts his game plan flexibly. This contributes to Real's consistent performance in La Liga and the Champions League. Kylian Mbappe – the focus of curiosity in his debut season – is booming, having already contributed 18 times in 13 matches. This number reflects Real's attacking philosophy being nurtured alongside collective discipline.

After the humiliating 2-5 defeat in the Madrid derby, Real Madrid chose a different approach: narrowing the risk margin and optimizing crucial moments to win 1-0 against Juventus and 2-1 against Barcelona. These close scores are often a reward for focus and organization – core principles of Alonso's philosophy.

Selective statistics

• Lost to Atletico Madrid 2-5 (September).
• Lost 0-4 to PSG at the Club World Cup.
• Beat Juventus 1-0, beat Barcelona 2-1; moved to the top of La Liga.
• Kylian Mbappe: 18 appearances in 13 matches.

The test for the Alonso dynasty

Real Madrid are on the right track in terms of points, but Alonso's biggest challenge lies in the dressing room: reconciling his iron fist with the egos of the stars who once made history. The revolution has only just begun; if he can transform the rifts into a driving force of unity, that will be the true measure of a lasting dynasty at the Bernabeu.