Xabi Alonso and the divisive disciplinary revolution at Real
Real leads La Liga after 1-0 wins over Juventus and 2-1 wins over Barcelona, but Xabi Alonso's disciplinary crackdown caused a rift with the big star; Mbappe had 18 fouls in 13 matches.
Real Madrid are leading La Liga thanks to a series of wins over Juventus (1-0) and Barcelona (2-1), but behind that result is a controversial disciplinary crackdown by coach Xabi Alonso. According to multiple sources at The Athletic, the new management style at the Bernabeu is creating a rift with some of the big stars, although the team is still moving forward.
Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti in June and initiated a real change in discipline and tactics. The 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in September – combined with a 4-0 thrashing by PSG in the Club World Cup – had put him at the centre of a storm of criticism. But Real have since recovered with narrow wins, climbing to the top of La Liga and temporarily easing the pressure.
New discipline and structure at the Bernabeu
From the locker room to the training ground, Alonso raised the bar with his team:
- Emphasize collective defense, high intensity work.
- Be absolutely punctual, increase your gym volume.
- Restrict access to the training area, only "essential" personnel attend training sessions.
- Tighten control of information, especially team lineup leaks to the media.
This is an effort to set a new standard after a period when Real was led by Ancelotti's soft, close style. Alonso aims to build a Real that is more scientific, disciplined and comprehensive in every small action.
The dressing room is divided into two: the big stars and the young generation.
The drastic measures have left some of the faithful feeling their freedom has been curtailed and disrespected. The recent Vinicius affair has become a flashpoint, deepening the sense of insecurity within the ranks. Compared to his predecessor, Alonso has maintained a distance and has not compromised on privileges.
A source close to the players described: “He thinks he is Pep Guardiola, but now he is just Xabi.” However, not all doors are closed to the 42-year-old coach. Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono and Dean Huijsen – young faces and new signings – have shown good adaptation when given more playing opportunities.
Positive signals: rotation and tactical flexibility
On the pitch, Alonso rotates his players and adjusts his game plan flexibly. That helps Real maintain a stable performance in La Liga and the Champions League. Kylian Mbappe – the center of curiosity in his debut season – is exploding, having made 18 appearances in 13 matches. This number reflects that Real's attacking ideas are still nurtured in parallel with collective discipline.
After the 5-2 defeat in the Madrid derby, Real chose a different response: narrowing the margin of risk, optimizing decisive moments to win Juventus 1-0 and Barcelona 2-1. The tight scores are often a reward for concentration and organization – core principles of Alonso's philosophy.
Selected statistics
- Lost 2-5 to Atletico Madrid (September).
- Lost 0-4 to PSG at Club World Cup.
- Beat Juventus 1-0, beat Barcelona 2-1; take the lead in La Liga.
- Kylian Mbappe: 18 assists in 13 matches.
Test for Alonso reign
Real Madrid are on the right track in terms of points, but Alonso’s big challenge lies in the dressing room: reconciling the iron fist with the egos of the stars who have made history. The revolution is only just beginning; turning the rift into a force of unity will be the true measure of a lasting dynasty at the Bernabeu.
