A growing list of star players from Real Madrid and his former club Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly clashing with manager Xabi Alonso’s methods.
According to a report from Planet Football, a sizeable section of the Real Madrid dressing room is unhappy with manager Xabi Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
The report details tensions extending beyond Madrid, involving players from Alonso’s managerial past at Bayer Leverkusen.
Tensions are reportedly highest among the Real Madrid forward line. Vinicius Junior, according to The Athletic, has told the club that he “won’t renew his contract with the club while his relationship with Alonso remains strained,” as he feels he’s been given “less importance this season.”
Jude Bellingham is also said to be unhappy, having started in 46% of La Liga matches under Alonso. Rodrygo, who has only started in three league matches, has a ‘distant’ relationship with the coach, according to Cadena SER.
Youngster Endrick, who has played just 11 minutes of league football, is seeking a January exit, prompting Alonso to state:
“Of course, I’d like him to have played already… I hope he can get those minutes soon. He’s training well, he’s ready — but the right moment has to come.”
Midfielder Fede Valverde is reportedly unhappy with his use as a right-back, though he insists on his professionalism:
“I’ve always made it clear to the coach that I’m available for whatever he needs… It’s strange that this comes from me when I’ve always said I’m available to play whatever it is.”
Elsewhere, former Alonso player Jonas Hofmann expressed disappointment over communication at Leverkusen:
“Getting so little playing time over an entire season obviously didn’t leave me feeling good… But under Xabi Alonso I would probably have considered a move.”